Vernice Whitehead, 94, entered the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. She was born on June 1, 1927, to Luther and Bertha (Swann) Hopkins. Vernice was deeply devoted to her family and never missed an opportunity to prepare a “feast” at the hint of a visitor. Whether a holiday or just an ordinary day, she was never convinced her guests were full unless they had seconds or sometimes, thirds. Her two specialties were chicken and dumplings and dressing, which have become family staples in her honor. Anyone lucky enough to take a seat at her table would brag to the ones that missed out on the delicious meal.
Vernice was a long-time member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Burnie Lee Whitehead; two brothers, James Hopkins and Reverend Hollis Hopkins; and infant daughter, Cindy Whitehead.
Vernice is survived by two sons, Bobby Lee Whitehead and wife, Lucenia of Cabot and Billy Joe Whitehead of Rosie; five grandchildren, Randy Whitehead and wife, Kala of Hot Springs, Amy Williams, and husband, Corey of Cabot, Tyler Whitehead and wife, Alex of Sheridan, Chloe Carlton of Newport, and Allyson Carlton, also of Newport; six great-grandchildren, Alex Williams and wife, Kara of Royse City, Texas, Lauren McGhee and husband, Heath of Cabot, Logan Williams of Cabot, Maegan Whitehead of Little Rock, Cade Freeland of Jacksonville, and Kensi Freeland of Little Rock; two great-great-grandchildren, Camden Williams and Chaney Williams, both of Royse City, Texas.
Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Monday at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in Sandhill Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Monday, 1:00 p.m. until service time.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Randy Whitehead, Corey Williams, Tyler Whitehead, Alex Williams, Heath McGhee, Cade Freeland, and Logan Williams.
