Published: October 27, 2009 08:39 pm      

Fannie Mae Vernon

Fannie Mae Vernon, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend was called to be with our Lord on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, in Corsicana.

Fannie Mae was born on Sept. 20, 1920, in Merit to Walter Judd Thomas and Fannie Collins Thomas. She attended schools in Merit and went on to college in Denton where she graduated with degrees in home economics and science from Texas Woman’s University. While in Denton, Fannie Mae met Lewis C. Vernon. The couple married in 1942 after graduation. They returned to Kerens to live on the Vernon family farm. They had two children, Walter Lewis Vernon and Theresa “Terri” Ann Vernon.

Fannie Mae lived a blessed life of 89 years. She touched the lives of many and was a great friend to all. She never hesitated to volunteer her time to help others in need. Fannie Mae was the consummate giver and had an active and busy lifetime devoting herself to family and to others. Her many accolades only represent a small part of her giving spirit. For over 50 years, she volunteered her time to the Navarro County Youth Exposition. In 1976, Fannie Mae was awarded the coveted K. Wolens Award by the Corsicana Chamber of Commerce. As a tribute to her love for the youth of the community and the NCYE, the Fannie Mae Vernon building was named in her honor. She was a member and director of the Kerens Chamber of Commerce and was awarded its Goodwill Ambassador Award in 1982, which was renamed the Fannie Mae Vernon Award to be awarded annually at the Chamber of Commerce banquet. Fannie Mae helped organize the Magnet Program, served on the Master Action Plan for Navarro College, worked as dietary consultant with Community Services from 1975 to 2002, and dietician for Kerens Nursing Home for 21 years. She was a member of Kerens Library Board of Directors, Kerens Garden Club, Kerens Kiwanis Club, Friends of Youth secretary/treasurer, and many other groups and organizations. She worked for Texas Power and Light Company for 37 years.

Fannie Mae’s most recent love was the Navarro Regional Hospital Auxiliary (Pink Ladies). She joined in 1989 and enjoyed every one of the over 20,000 volunteer hours and 20 years of work. She touched the lives of patients, patrons, and employees of the hospital. Fannie Mae served as president, coordinated events, decked the halls, and worked in the gift shop all to her enjoyment. She was the 1994 Volunteer of the Year chosen by the hospital administration and she continued to volunteer until her health forced her to move to the Heritage Oaks Retirement Village. Retirement only meant that there were not enough hours for her to accomplish all that she wanted to for the people in her life. She was truly a unique and remarkable woman.

Fannie Mae was a member of First Baptist Church of Kerens where she served as the hostess for many years. She served in many other capacities during her 60 years of membership and was active in every way possible at FBC. She willingly gave of her love and time.

Fannie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Vernon in 1980; and by her son, Walter Vernon in 1989. She is survived by her daughter, Theresa Orn and husband James Orn of Corsicana; sister, Ottlean Battle, and brother-in-law, Judie Battle, of Greenville; grandchildren, Lesle Alli and husband Paul Alli of Spring, Ylonda Brock of Olathe, Kan., Walter Vernon Jr. of California, Michael Vernon and his wife Jennifer; and great-grandchildren, Lanay, Kenadi, Michael, Kayla, Mikenzie, and Kortnie. Fannie Mae is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and an abundance of very special friends.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Paschal Funeral Home in Kerens. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Paschal Funeral Home Chapel and will be conducted by the Rev. Wes Johnson and the Rev. Mike Alexander. Interment will follow at the Prairie Point Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Paschal, Don Paschal, A.L. “Buster” Atkeisson, David Foreman, Leland Vernon, and Stan Speed. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of First Baptist Church. Our grateful appreciation and love go to Dr. John Updegrove for his dedication and his fondness for Fannie Mae.

Memorials may be made to the Kerens Library and First Baptist Church of Kerens Building Fund.

Arrangements by Paschal Funeral Home, Kerens. ∞