Verna Mae Posey

Verna Mae Posey, age 63, of Oneida, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024. Born on February 28, 1961, in Jellico, Tennessee, to the late June Chaney, Verna’s life was defined by her unwavering strength, intelligence, and deep love for her family.

After attending Oneida High School, Verna married the late Jerry Posey, with whom she shared a beautiful life and raised two daughters. Verna was blessed with two beautiful granddaughters that she loved more than life itself. A dedicated homemaker, grandmother, and mother, Verna devoted herself to her family, always putting their needs first. She found joy in every moment with her daughters and granddaughters, and her love for them knew no bounds. After her children were grown, Verna pursued her passion for learning. She enrolled at Tennessee Tech University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree with Summa Cum Laude honors. Verna was not only an incredibly intelligent woman, but one whose passion for education and personal growth inspired everyone around her.

Those who knew Verna well would describe her as someone who was unapologetically herself—genuine, kind, and true to her values, no matter the company. Her daughters often spoke of their mother as a constant presence in their lives, always there when they needed her, and willing to go to any lengths for their happiness and well-being.  Verna’s life was marked by both profound joy and unimaginable hardship. In 2004, she faced a series of devastating losses, including the death of her beloved husband Jerry, the passing of both of her parents, and the destruction of her home in a fire—events that occurred within less than a year. Despite the heartache, Verna found the strength to rebuild her life and, in doing so, rediscovered happiness. She found love again with her longtime fiancé, Roger Long, who brought her great joy, fun, and companionship for nearly 20 years. Roger often made Verna smile her biggest smile, the one everyone always loved to see.  Roger not only brought light to Verna’s heart, but he taught her how to smile and even feel young again!  Verna will be remembered for her resilience, her loving nature, and her ability to face life’s challenges with grace. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will continue to inspire her family and friends.

Verna is preceded in death by her mother, June Chaney; her stepdaughter, Haley Long; her brother, Darryl Chaney; her niece, Cierra Letner; and her husband, Jerry Posey.

She is survived by her fiancé, Roger Long; daughters, Chasity Coffey, Whitney Kries and her husband William, and Laura Terry; son:  Dwayne Posey; and stepson, Corey Long and his wife Shelley. Verna was a loving grandmother to granddaughters Raylie (Abby) and Lauren, as well as step-granddaughters Abbey and Allison. She also leaves behind her brothers, Robin Chaney and Lloyd (Gail) Chaney; special sisters-in-law, Regina Chaney and Linette Brumbalow; and nieces and nephews, Debbie (James) Posey, Rachel (Jason) Lay, Marie (Shawn) Jeffers, Amy Chaney, Kristy Chaney, Stacy Lewallen, and Joe (Judy) Chaney; Special great nieces and nephews, Sonni, Chase, Landon, Erica, Devin, Chevy, Brody, Caden, Kaleb, Alex, Jacob, Lexi, Austin, Rumeur, Dekan, and Damien. Verna’s close friends, Whitney (Dale) Posey, Debbie (Zane) Anderson, and Susan (Bill) Dunlap, Renae (Travis) Vaughn, will also cherish her memory.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of New Haven Baptist Church.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Verna Mae Posey.

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