Verna Faye Watson

On December 21, 1939, a beautiful baby girl was born to Harriett Luckey and L.K. Sheppard

here in Houston, Texas.

Verna grew up and lived her entire life in Houston. This is where she learned to love cooking

and baking from her mother. Harriett was very active in the church and so was Verna. They

united with 4th Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Branch followed

by the late Rev. Walter Houston. She was a very faithful and active member for many years until

her health slowed her down. One thing she was most proud of was being a member of the Gospel

Choir.

Her Fraternal affiliations included the Grand Court Order of Calanthe Katie Holmes Court #465,

Knights of Pythias

Verna attended and graduated from the Mighty Jack Yates High School. In fact, she was a part of

the 1st class to graduate from the then new building on Sampson St. in 1958 under. A proud Lion,

Verna was very active including being a part of the Kadets. After graduating, Verna was certified

in Steno script ABC Shorthand, as a Ward Clerk with St. Joseph and as a Nurse’s Aide, Nurse

Assistant and Beside Geriatric Nurse. She began working at Texas Southern University for the

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 1974. She dedicated 28 years of service there before

she retired in 2002. There she developed so many rich relationships and was sought of Mother

and counsel to so many Pharmacists around the country.

Between graduating from Yates and starting her career at T.S.U., She met and married Larry

Punch Sr. and had their only child Larry T. Punch Jr in 1960. Later while working at

Montgomery Ward, Verna met, and married Jessie Watson Sr. and they had their only child Jesse

Watson Jr. in 1973.

We did mention she was a Proud Lion. During her years of being dedicated to College of

Pharmacy, Verna never forgot her roots and was a very active member of the Fabulous 50’s of

Jack Yates High School.

Verna was a do-er. If you wanted something done everyone knew Verna would help, take care of

it! She had active roles with the Fabulous 50’s serving on many various committees, including

organizing casino trips, cruises, Gala’s, and class reunions just to name a few. This gave her the

chance to really travel the world because there was no way she was going to sit still too long

anywhere.

She was a loving mother and everyone’s biggest cheerleader. Verna always had your back!

Verna was also blessed with a green thumb as she was an active member of the Bluebonnet

Garden Club. Most will fondly remember Verna for her beautiful smile and her infectious

personality. When Verna Faye would show up, everyone knew she was present.

Verna is proceeded by her parents, 4 siblings Herbert Brown, Mary Bell Sheppard (Bennette),

Odessa Sheppard and Ronald Sheppard; and her memories will be cherished by her son’s: Jesse (Rhonda) and Larry; grandchildren: Marquisha Reed, Mona’ Bartlett, Thaddeus Punch, Joshua

Watson, Jason Watson, Judson Watson, and Rylan “Beaux” Watson; Sister: Barbara Bowie;

Brother: Donald Sheppard; numerous nieces and nephews; two great grandchildren; brothers and

sisters in-law and a host of cousins, family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all.