Vernys May Smith

Vernys May Smith, age 94, of Marion, IL, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

Vernys was born on October 30, 1930, on a farm in Missouri, to the late Lily and Harry Lewis. She resided in Missouri until she married Luther “Luke” Bradley at the age of 16 and moved to Southern Illinois. They shared many years together and went on to have three children: Linda Oliver (Bradley), Kenny Bradley and Janice Bradley.

She was a beautiful soul whose voice and musical talents entertained people all over Southern Illinois for many years. Her love for music started at the age of 10 when she was gifted an accordion and taught herself how to play it by ear. She taught herself to play many instruments through the years, such as the piano, organ and bass guitar, but the accordion she received at the age of 10 was her prized possession. She could be found playing it on the town square in Marion for years, entertaining people every chance she had.

Vernys drove a school bus for the Marion school district for over 20 years as well. She was a wonderful seamstress, great cook and took pride in her beautiful rose bushes and flower gardens throughout the years.

She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was devoted to her family. Her gypsy soul was something she was proud of, and her laughter, songs and jokes could make anyone smile.

Vernys is survived by her daughter, Linda, grandsons Troy and Aaron; son, Kenny, granddaughters Doni and Amy, grandsons, Matthew and (Luke); daughter, Janice, granddaughter Crystal, grandson Ashley; eight great-grandchildren, Abigail, Audrey, Jett, Harmony, Jerry, Anthony, Bella and Lola; several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Lily Kopf (Whitworth) and Harry Lewis, step-father, Volley Pursley, brothers, Eugene Lewis and Wayne Pursley, grandson, Luke Bradley, great-nephew, John Pursley and former husband, Clifford “Smitty” Smith. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Blue funeral home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Visitation will be held at Blue Funeral Home located at 1704 N. Court Street, Marion, IL on Saturday, November 9, 2024, beginning at Noon, with the funeral service at 1 p.m. with John Pursley officiating. The entombment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery with a repass at the VFW in Marion, IL directly following.

The family would like to thank Joni Binkley-Ross, Hospice of Southern IL and Integrity Health for their care and compassion during this difficult time.

“Keep a smile on your face and a joyful song in your heart”—Vernys