Vernie McDougal Witter (affectionately known as Bunny) was born on February 10th, 1936, in Kingston, Jamaica to Ivy Maud Walker and Charles Witter. He attended Gurney’s Mount Primary School in Great Valley, Hanover, Jamaica. Bunny married Lorna Jarrett prior to moving to the U.S. A. in the early 1960’s. They had had two daughters, Andrea and June. Although the marriage to Lorna ended, he remained strongly connected to her and their daughters through the years. In 1976, Bunny married Margaret Palma. Bunny played an instrumental role in helping to raise Margaret’s daughter, Tricia, who was three years old when they married. Bunny and Margaret separated in 1985, but they remained close friends until the end of his life.
While in New York, Bunny worked as a crew scheduler for Eastern Airlines for many years. He took great pride in his work, and always provided the highest level of service. Bunny was well regarded by his coworkers, and remained close friends with some of them, including Tom Cully and Judy Ferrell, until the end of his life. Working for the airline industry allowed Bunny to visit many countries, including France, Japan, The Bahamas, Germany, and Mexico, to name a few. He also made many trips back to his home country of Jamaica for their annual jazz festival as well. One of Bunny’s favorite aspects of traveling was sampling cuisine from all over the world – Bunny loved his food!
Bunny moved to Miami, Florida, in the early 1990’s. He always raved about his love of the wonderful weather and vibrant music scene. He continued working in the airline industry until 2000, when he became gravely ill, and almost lost his life. He was hospitalized for several weeks with a poor prognosis, but by the grace of God, he recovered. Though the illness left him somewhat weakened, Bunny never lost his zest and enthusiasm for life, and he continued traveling and attended every family event possible. After recovering from his illness, Bunny moved to Palm Bay, Florida, to be closer to his cousin Colin and his wife Joyce, cousin Monica, and aunt Vic. Aunt Vic and cousin Monica preceded Bunny in death.
Bunny will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, strong sense of independence, and his love for the Lord, his family, and friends. Bunny was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorna. He is survived by his wife Margaret; daughters Andrea, June, Donna, and Tricia; grandchildren Anthony, Gary, Sharifa, Shawn, Paul Jr., Angelique, and Jayden; his brother George and wife Judy; his sister Sonia and husband Peter; his nieces Nonie, Therese, Stephanie, Sophie, Sharifa, and Soyini; nephews Kwesi, Kamau, and Kwame; cousin Colin and wife Joyce; his church brothers and sisters from Palm Bay United Pentecostal Church, and many other family and friends.
A Memorial service will be held for Bunny, 11:00 am Thursday, July 19th at the First Pentecostal Church of Palm Bay. 1021 Emerson Dr. NE., Palm Bay, FL 32907
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