Our mother went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the Pickering House in Lancaster, Oho. She was born on June 7, 1937, in Adelphi, Ohio at her grandmother’s home to the parents of Rex and Bessie (Smith) Arledge. She was the youngest of nine children.
Vernice loved poetry, traveling, Johnny Bench, Robert Redford and Neil Diamond. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed telling stories about her childhood at her old homeplace.
Vernice married Alva Black in 1952 at the age of 15. They had four children, Ray, Debbie, Gary and Larry. They resided in Summit Station, Ohio.
Becoming a young widow of 40 years old with a 13-year-old son, Larry, she had to overcome the obstacles of making a living. She received her GED and was employed by Columbus State to support them.
She was predeceased by her husband and two sons, Ray and Gary. She is survived by son, Larry (Melanie) Black of Laurelville, Ohio and daughter, Debbie (Fred) Skinner of Lancaster, Ohio. Grandchildren Wendy (James) Lieser, Amanda (Dan) Ferguson, Christopher Black, Kyle Black, Jared (Melissa) Skinner, Megan (Justin) Black, Lauren Black. Nine Great Grandchildren and one Great-Great Granddaughter, many nieces and nephews.
Vernice’s family will receive friends at Kauber Fraley Funeral Home in Pataskala, from 11-1 PM, Friday, July 1. The service will be officiated by Pastor Aaron Begley of Victory Hill Church. Interment following the memorial service will take place in the Pataskala Cemetery adjacent to her husband and sons.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held following the burial at the home of Sue and Randy Finley at 2665 Lancaster-Kirkersville Road, Lancaster, OH.
With sincere appreciation, we wish to thank Vernice’s caregiver, Melanie Black. She gave Vernice loving and tender care. Thank you, Melanie, you are a blessing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Vernice’s honor to Fairhope Hospice and Palliative Care of Lancaster, Ohio. Vernice loved all of you! You all showed her love, compassion and kindness. We are eternally grateful.
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