Verdna "Vern" Parler Kent

Verdna “Vern” Parler Kent, born on April 28, 1932, in Holly Hill, South Carolina, passed away on November 12, 2024. Vern was a compassionate nurse, a committed volunteer, and a nurturing presence who made a meaningful impact on the lives of many throughout her life. 

After graduating from high school, she pursued her passion for helping others by attending Columbia Hospital Nursing School, where she obtained her nursing degree. Her nursing career began at Columbia Hospital and continued at Augusta VA Hospital, followed by Candler Hospital in Savannah. In 1961, Vern moved to Warner Robins, where she worked at Houston County Hospital and later in the maternity ward at the hospital on Robins Air Force Base. She transitioned to civil service at the base, from which she eventually retired. 

In retirement, Vern and her beloved husband, Rex, found joy in part-time work with Proctor and Gamble, doing grocery resets. They also devoted their time to volunteering at the Christian Service Center Food Bank, helping those in need. 

A talented needleworker, Vern enjoyed creating beautiful bell pulls, winning blue ribbons for her entries at the Georgia State Fair. She had a passion for flower gardening, especially camellias, which brought her great joy. 

Vern and Rex were long-time members of Central Baptist Church, where they volunteered in the nursery for 30 years and participated in the Helping Hands Ministry and Central 50. She cherished her time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, embodying the role of a caregiver both professionally and personally. 

A true nurturer, Vern lived to serve others, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and kindness. 

Vern was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Lucille Parler; siblings, Joyce Parler Allen and Jean Marion Parler; and son-in-law, Michael Simerly.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her loving husband of 65 years, Rex; children, Carla Simerly of Richmond Hill, Ronnie Kent (Alline) of Warner Robins and Alison Wheeler (Charles) of Hawkinsville; grandchildren, Amanda Eason, Matt Simerly, Lauren Johnson, Ronnie Kent Jr., Scotty Kent, Seth Wheeler, Zach Wheeler, Rebekah Reid, and Sarah Mozingo; great-grandchildren, Emery Eason, Selah Eason, Michaela Johnson, Colt Kent, and Analisa Kent; and sister, Marguerite Parler Dunbar (James).

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home with a funeral service immediately following in the chapel. Afterward, Vern will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Verdna “Vern” Kent by visiting https://www.incalink.org/es/our-team/eason#how-to-support or Central Baptist Church at 1120 Lake Joy Road, Warner Robins, GA 31088.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.