Vernida (Hadley) Edwards

Vernida Hadley Edwards was born on May 11, 1921 in Matthews, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. She was the first child of Arthur Hadley, Sr. (1898–1982) and Bessie McDaniel (1902–1973). She and her siblings, Arthur Hadley Jr. (1922–2016), Ruth Mae Hadley (1924–1988), Elton Hadley Sr. (1926–2006), lived in Raceland, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. She later lived in Gretna (1931), LA, New Orleans, LA, (1959), Salem, VA (2005) and Lewisville, TX (2007). Vernida died in her Lewisville, TX home June 26, 2023 at the age of 102.

Vernida Hadley was married to George Moody (1923–1944) and Atha Leon Edwards (1915– 1982). She was a devoted mother to three children, who she nurtured into independence: Donald Anderson, Bruce Leon Edwards (1950–2012), and Muriel Marie Edwards. She was the last of a generation of The Hadley Family. Vernida was a resilient and strong matriarch.

Vernida accepted Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior. She was baptized into the Christian faith at New Hope Baptist Church, Gretna, LA. She was also a member of Boynton Methodist Church, Gretna, LA; Ray Avenue United Methodist Church and Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA; First Baptist Church - Gainesboro, Roanoke, VA; and Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, Dallas, TX, where she served as a devoted member of the Altar & Flower Guild. She was adopted by kids at the Gidan Kauna Family Church in Jos, Nigeria, and was their oldest member, worshiping online with them.

Vernida Hadley enlisted in the United States Army, Women Auxiliary in March 1943. She later worked in and retired from the Veterans Health Care System in New Orleans, LA. There she served dietary needs of hospitalized veterans for over 25 years. In retirement, Vernida devoted her retirement to creative activities as a jewelry maker. As “Jewels by Vern”, she created jewelry that was generously and lovingly given as gifts to friends and for sale. Earnings from her creative endeavors were all contributed to the work of the Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, Altar & Flower Guild.

Vernida is survived by her son Dr. Donald Anderson, Daughter in Law Dianne Labyzon Anderson, her daughter, Muriel M. Edwards, four Grandchildren, five Great-Grandchildren, and embraced Godchildren, Elaine Anderson Joseph, Irvin H. Anderson, Jr., and Gail Anderson Wharton.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. (Proverbs 31:17)

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