Verdia Royal

Johnnie Val Verdia (Barnett) Royal, age 94, departed this life on June 4, 2008 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Kay Rodgers in Jonesboro.

Verdia was born in Poughkeepsie, January 25, 1914, the daughter of Daniel Ephraim & Cyndie Lou (Barnes) Barnett. She was united in marriage to Joseph Delzo Royal on February 8, 1931 in Poughkeepsie and they were blessed with five children. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Evening Shade for almost 70 years and moved with her daughter when the family moved to Jonesboro and attended Northside Church of Christ. All will remember her beautiful alto singing voice. She was a helpmate and homemaker for her family; her value was far above rubies.

Those left to share their memories of Verdia include her daughter, Kay (Carpenter) Rodgers & her husband Aubrey and her children Brenda and Greg; son, Curtis & daughter-in-law Melba; their daughters Ann, Sue, Debbie, Mary Lou, and Janice; son, Leon and his children, James Dale, Ginger, and Angela; son, James Ray & daughter-in-law Eva; their children, Julie, Kenneth, and Kathleen. She was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren.

Verdia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Delzo, of 41 years, a daughter, Willene Royal; granddaughter, Cheri; infant grandson, David Michael Royal; sister, Vera Norris; and son-in-law, Joe Carpenter.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Brother Ross Ward and Brother Teddy Horton officiating. Burial will follow in Evening Shade Cemetery, Evening Shade, Arkansas. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers will be Aubrey Rodgers, James Dale Royal, Jayme Stroud, Joshua Stroud, Kenneth Royal, Greg Carpenter, Randy Cavender, and Sean Cavender.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Timothy Dow and the Northside Church of Christ family.

Verdia’s grandson-in-law, Randy Cavender, will officiate at the graveside at Evening Shade.

Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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