Vernell Williams, formerly of Vienna
Vernell Williams, age 91 years, a former resident of Vienna, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at the Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley in Ironton, Mo., where she had resided for over 10 years.
Vernell was born March 6, 1934. She was the daughter of Vern and Flossie (Cockrum) Williams.
Vernell is survived by her sister, Marita Williams of Carbondale, and a cousin, Rev. Harl Cockrum of Harrisburg. During her residency in Jefferson City, Mo., Vernell had a very dear friend who she considered like another sister, Margaret Woolley.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Vernell was employed for many years at the Missouri Baptist W.M.U. (Women’s Missionary Union) Office in Jefferson City, Mo. She was later employed for a short time by Lincoln University, also in Jefferson City, prior to her retirement. Vernell was recognized by the state of Missouri and honored by the governor for meritorious service in the State Capitol in Jefferson City.
Vernell was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Mo. She sang in the sanctuary choir and traveled with them to Germany, where they toured and sang in a number of churches. Her faith and church were very important to her. Vernell enjoyed serving in the church children’s department and teaching Sunday School. She was also a writer and had wrote a number of as-yet unpublished children’s books.
It was Vernell’s request for her body to be donated for scientific research to the St. Louis University Gift Body Program.
In accordance with her personal wishes, there will be no public gathering or service locally or in Missouri. However, the St. Louis University Gift Body Program conducts an annual memorial service, and Vernell will be honored at this service, which will be conducted Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at 2 p.m. This service may be viewed online by using the following link: https:tinyurl.com/SLU-YT2025
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Regional Office, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75248-0692 or online at www.heart.org. Donations may also be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY, 10018 or online at www.parkinson.org.