Verna Bullard

Verna Mae Freeman was born on May 3, 1924 in Queens, New York to the proud parents of Arnie and Martha Freeman. She was the youngest of her parents four children: Rosetta, Bernice and Reginald. Her mother's heart was filled with love that she shared with many. One special recipient of that love was Clifton Marshall. Clifton was Verna's brother, nephew, son and trusted confidant. Their relationship was a special one that endured throughout her life.

Verna received her primary education through the New York City public school system. She attended Public School 116 where she had the esteemed honor of being taught in the 2nd grade by her eldest sibling Rosetta (certainly the envy of all other 2nd graders). Verna received her secondary education from Andrew Jackson High School and later, was accepted to attend Howard University where she met her lifelong friend and college roommate Dorothy Nightingale (Baron) later known to all as aunt Dorothy. But after 2 years, she received the devastating news of her father's passing and returned home to be with and to help support her family.

A few years later, Bernice believed she found the perfect match for her kid sister. Once she was certain that the two would hit it off, she planned and hosted a party with the specific intention to introduce them. Her co-worker accepted the invitation and her intuition was confirmed. Willard Alvin McSween and Verna Mae Freeman were the perfect match and on May 9, 1948, they united as one. They made a home in Jamaica Queens, New York where they raised their 4 children: Willard "Alvin", Gaye, Bruce, and Derek. The family joined the Hollis Presbyterian Church where Verna was a loyal member for more than 25 years.

Verna remained a devoted wife for 31 years, a loving mother and later she became a doting grandmother of 2 children, Thelonius and Tanisha, but only had the opportunity to spoil one.

Verna always had a spirit of strength, resilience and independence. She chose to reinforce those characteristics by working outside of the home. She came to give over 25 years of dedicated service to Ma Bell, otherwise and more simply known as "The Telephone Company" before retiring. She enjoyed her job, but when she wasn't working she enjoyed probably her most favorite pastime - shopping!

Verna loved a good bargain and she was pretty good at the art of haggling. She'd shop the flea markets and yard sales on the weekend, and shop the malls during the week. And then came shopping on television. . . No further comment.

If not at the flea market or yard sales, one might find her on a bus trip to the casinos. Verna loved to travel and enjoyed taking time to visit the islands of Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica.

In 1986, Verna found a rare thing: a second chance at true love. She was introduced to Mr. John Bullard of Hollis Queens, New York and realized quickly that they were intended to be. On November 7, 1987, the two joined hands in marriage and blended their families with love and acceptance as if they were their own. The two quickly decided to leave the cold winters of New York behind and head for the warmth of the Florida sun. They designed and moved into the dream house they built in Port Saint Lucie, where John crowned her as the "Queen of Florida". There they made, lasting memories and were blessed to have great neighbors throughout the years. Verna and John also found a supportive new church home in the First Congregational Church of Port Saint Lucie where many of their church friends also became family.

Family, those related by blood and those introduced by God, meant everything to Verna. She often showed her love to others through cooking and entertaining her family and friends. Verna was a great cook and a wonderful hostess, and she had a holiday and party table setting that would make even Martha Stewart jealous.

As the years progressed Verna continued loving and supporting her family. She traveled less to the Caribbean, but continued her trips to the mall when she could. With time, it became clear that Verna was no longer able to care for herself completely at home. God then placed Heavenly Adult Care in Derek's line of sight. Although Verna wanted to be home she told her granddaughter, "Well, if I can't be home, I am so glad that I am here." The staff there were wonderful to Verna, but it is believed that Ms. Sonia (owner) and Ms. Ethra (staff) were truly heaven-sent.

Verna was a trusted neighbor, a great friend, an outstanding mother and a loving grandmother who maintained enduring relationships throughout the years. She had an indomitable spirit and unshakable faith. She trusted the Lord with every fiber of her being and we are certain that it was her faith, hope and love that helped carry her through 97 years here on earth. Now we look forward to having her join our brigade of angels that watch over us and protect us.

Verna Bullard was preceded in death by her parents, each of her siblings, her children Alvin, Bruce, and Gaye, her grandchild, Thelonius Mitchell, her first love, Willard Alvin "Al" McSween and her second chance at true love, John Bullard.

Verna was a resilient fighter, and leaves behind to cherish her memories: her son Derek ; granddaughter Tanisha (Richmond, VA); her brother, nephew, son and confidant, Clifton Marshall (New York, NY), nieces and nephews, her close friend Eula Gibson, neighbors Rick, Shelly, Kaylee and Keith and all who came to know and to love her.

Verna earned her wings and joined her loved ones in heaven at 6:40 PM on Friday, October 29, 2021 with her son Derek by her side. She was 97 years old. What a blessing.