of Harrison, AR
July 28, 1934 - October 6, 2023
Verna F. Martin, 89, of Harrison, passed away Friday, October 6, 2023, rejoining her loved ones in heaven, including her husband of 47 years Floyd Lee, along with her parents, Henry and Arline Fuhrman, her siblings, and many loved ones who preceded her in death.
Verna was born July 28, 1934 in Wichita Falls, Texas. The family relocated to Harrison, Arkansas where Verna graduated as Salutatorian of Harrison High School class of 1952. After marriage to Floyd Lee in 1955, they started their family and established life on the farm.
In 1965, Verna began her 50-year career at Family Doctors Clinic where she served many roles throughout the years. Not giving up her first career, she added a second when the family purchased a children's store in 1975. She became affectionately known as Ms. Verna to the many friends and customers of her beloved Guys 'N Dolls. Her passion for buying the latest trends and managing the store kept the children of Harrison and surrounding communities perfectly dressed.
Her deepest love was for her family and she enjoyed talking to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about their lives and offering lots of advice!
Verna is survived by her son, Dale Martin of Harrison; daughter, Beth (Steve) Longing of Conway and daughter, Amy (Jeremy) Stone of Hot Springs. Grandchildren, Jacob (Holly) Longing, Hannah Longing, Jackson Stone, and Reagan Stone; great-grandchildren, Whitlee Longing, Milam Longing and Hunter Longing; sister-in-law, Phyllis Young; sister-in-law, Katie Martin; brother-in-law, Leon Young, and many nieces and nephews.
We will miss our family meals and celebrations, especially the family Fourth of July cookout, strawberry pies, and peanut brittle.
Visitation was on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home Chapel.
The Graveside funeral service was on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Brittain Cemetery with Rev. Laura West officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Brittain Cemetery Fund (180 Bellefonte Rd, Harrison, AR 72601), First Christian Church (915 S. Maple Harrison, AR 72601), or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hillcrest Home for the care they provided during mom's last two weeks.
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10 Condolence(s)
Mary Ann Carr
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Verna was always wonderful to us. She was one of the strongest people I have ever met. Much love to the family
Gwen Weedman Hathcock
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Verna was very helpful back in 1968 when I was Dairy Princess. She was also helpful when my daughter would be in Harrison with my parents.
Beth Pruitt
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Beth and family,
I'm sorry I couldn't attend the services today but please know Mark and I are here for all of you. You are so loved and we are so sorry for your loss of your Mother. I know however that she must be rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus and her loved ones that have gone before. God Bless you and your family,
Love and prayers lifted high,
Mark, Beth and Noah
Annie Smith (WHBC)
Monday, October 9, 2023
So sorry to hear that your mother passed away.
Know that you & your family are in my prayers.
Whitney Terry
Sunday, October 8, 2023
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Mrs. Verna. She was a wonderful lady and I enjoyed working with her at FDC. Prayers for her family and all who knew and loved her. She will be missed!
Zethra Watkins
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Sweet Verna, you and uncle Eddie are now together rejoicing. thank you for being his friend/ neighbor down here. i love you sweet Verna!
Kelley Hudspeth
Sunday, October 8, 2023
I had the wonderful pleasure of knowing Miss Verna, she was a kind and classy lady that knew her business well. I enjoyed coming to Guys & Dolls dressing my 2 girls then my grandson. It was such a pleasure to know her. She touched so many lives and will be missed greatly missed!
Zethra Watkins
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Sweet Verna, you and uncle Eddie are now together rejoicing. thank you for being his friend/ neighbor down here. i love you sweet Verna!
Susan Longing Alexander
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Verna was one-of-a-kind who had a fabulous mixture of class, grit, humor, and authenticity. It was a joy to know her-and her delicious recipes! ... What a loving and beautiful family she had. God's blessing, peace, and comfort to all.
Doug and Allison Patchell
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Beth and all of the family in the loss of this special lady.