Obituary: Vernola Murphy-Woodard
Vernola Murphy-Woodard was born on July 25,1943 in Somerville, Tennessee and departed this life on February 28, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was the third of 10 children born to Gaston, Sr. and Regusta (Tisdale) Murphy.
Vernola accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Smith Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, in Somerville, Tennessee. Later in life, she became a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois. She completed her high school education at Allen – White High School in Whiteville, Tennessee.
Vernola was wed to Jesse C. Rhodes in 1961 and to that union four children were born. She later married Ardell Woodard, Jr. who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her father, Gaston Murphy, Sr.; mother, Regusta (Tisdale) Murphy; daughter, Veronica L. Rhodes; grandson, Demontae S. Rhodes; brother, Kent Murphy; and sister, Gladys Hardeway.
Vernola’s life was a woman of service. She spent many years in the fast-food service industry and retired from her work driving the school bus for the Rockford, Illinois Public School system. After the death of her late husband, Ardell, she decided to move to Nashville in March of 2020 to be close to her daughter, son-in-law, grandson, and great-grandchildren. She was a blessing to them for almost four years and became the honorary mother to all who came to know her.
Vernola touched and impacted everyone she encountered. She was an inspiration, nurturer and pilar of strength to all. Her love was definitely displayed when it came to her family. She loved to be around her loved ones. Vernola was very instrumental in making sure her family made time for each other by creating annual family events. Not only was she a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and loving sister, but she was a true definition of GOD’S LOVE. Vernola has transcended home to be with those gone before her. But she left us with clear instruction, “Take care of each other and I love you”.
She leaves to cherish her memories three children, daughter, Celestine (James) Jones of Nashville, Tennessee, and sons, Reginald B. (Patricia) Rhodes of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and Calvin C. (Tiffney) Rhodes of Rockford, Illinois. She also leaves loving grandchildren, Antwan D. (Rachael) Rhodes, Lorenzo D. (Lakisha) Rhodes, Corin A. Jones, Reginald B. Rhodes, II, Brandon L. (Kayla) Rhodes, Bryson Matthews, Felicia J. Rhodes, Daisha S. Woodruff, Asha S. Rhodes and Candace N. Rhodes, Katherine Johnson, Brenda (Mac Authur) Spencer, Marilyn (Lewis) Sockwell, Carl Murphy, Gaston Murphy, Jr., Jimmy Ray (Nita) Murphy, and Benjamin (Bertha) Murphy; and special niece, Evoin (Harden) Robinson. Vernola was loved and will be missed by a host of adopted daughters, sons, stepchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Courtesy of Dixie Funeral Home, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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