Dr. Verna Josephine Carson

Dr. Verna Carson of Parkville, Maryland, born on August 8, 1947, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on December 26, 2024. She was the beloved wife of 54 years to John C. Carson; devoted mother of Adam, Johnny, and Robert, beloved Mother-in-law to Shelley, Mickie, and Stefanie, dear grandmother of Tyler, Brandon, Gavin, Tanner, Johnny, Jakob, Marleigh, Robbie, and Samantha and great grandmother to Noel, dear sister of Kathy Guiffrida and Ken Benner and dear sisters-in-law of Adele Wilson and Alice Benner and niece of Carol McGorray, loving Aunt of Matt Wilson, Lauren Guiffrida, Michael Guiffrida, Dawn Mulqueen, Jenny Grevera, Matt Benner, Travis Benner, Kenny Benner, and Megan Vasavada along with many great nieces and nephews and countless other family and friends.

Preceding Verna in death are her mother Dorothy Benner, father Kenneth Benner, sisters, Mary Lou Hartman, Mary Lynn Benner, Mary Louise Mulligan, brother-in-law Joseph Hartman, nephew Alan Hartman, and Great granddaughter Octavia.

Her greatest joys were spending time with her family and friends and her love of God. Her door was always open, and she welcomed all with open arms. Verna loved theater and music and was always so proud of her family and their accomplishments. She was an avid gardener and loved to spend time praying in her Mary’s Garden. Her grandchildren have fond memories of going shopping for books and having pancakes for lunch. Verna loved watching their sporting events, reading to them and making special time for them. Many have said, “she had the patience of a Saint”.

One of Verna’s greatest accomplishments was earning her doctorate while managing a family. Writing, speaking, teaching, and helping patients with Alzheimer’s were her greatest gifts. She taught nurses how to care for patients with love, respect, and patience. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association recognized her pioneering work in psychiatric home care and for creating The Becoming an Alzheimer’s Whisperer Best Practices Program in Alzheimer's Care in 2005. She was a published author of 22 books and manuals, over 96 articles with many published in Caring Magazine.

Verna’s smile and her presence would light up a room. She truly was a disciple of God and always strived to grow in Jesus. She was a lifelong Catholic and a devoted daughter of God. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life mass will be held on Saturday March 22nd at 11:00am at St. John the Evangelist, 13305 Long Green Pike, Hydes, MD 21082

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Verna’s honor.

https://www.alz.org/