VERNIE DEWITT

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Vernie L. DeWitt, 97, of Sikeston died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

She was born June 11, 1903, in Briartown, Okla., daughter of Jess and Janie Gipson Perry. She and J.L. DeWitt were married April 5, 1928, at Matthews, Mo. He died Dec. 6, 1952.

DeWitt was a private duty nurse at Missouri Delta Medical Center many years, and gave piano lessons 64 years. She was a member of North Acres General Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Mavis Hill of Garland, Texas, Donna Hammonds of Paducah, Ky.; five grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; 14 stepgrandchildren; 27 great-stepgrandchildren; and 33 great-great-stepgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, three stepsons, a stepdaughter, and a stepgrandson.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5-8 p.m. Friday.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with her nephew, Claude Detherow, officiating. Assisting will be the Rev. James Trotter. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.