Verna Jewell Goodman, of Hiawatha, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, February 6th, 2020, a day after her 89th birthday.

Verna was born to the late Zena Sutherland and Harold Smith of Wetmore, the youngest of four children. Her brothers, Keith and Vincent, and sister LaVerne precede her in death and were waiting for her arrival in glory to the pearly gates.

Verna met and married the late Charles Marion Adams, in 1954, in Junction City, Kansas and together welcomed three children: John Adams (Melanie) of Stover, MO, Kristy Doyle (Thomas) of Hiawatha, James Adams (Tamara), also of Hiawatha. Charles died in 1964.

Verna had several different occupations during her life, including a keypad data operator, a receptionist at KU Medical Center, and delivering the St. Joseph, MO newspaper for 25 years of which she was very proud.

In 1991, Verna reconnected with the late Merlin Goodman of Wetmore, KS, and they married the following year. She considered his children: Liz Babb (Dan), Donna Halstead (Daniel), along with their grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren as her own. They spent their life together going to church, working hard, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Merlin died in 2018. Merlin’s children that precede her in death are Randy, Tracy Glenn, and Richard (Dickie) Goodman.

Verna loved Jesus, reading her Bible, praying for and with others, laughing, singing, and always had a smile on her face. She was a loving and caring person, always putting others before herself, and was truly an example of the love of Jesus. “To know her was to love her.”

Verna leaves to cherish her beloved memory, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of Verna’s life is planned for 2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2020, at the Calvary Temple Assembly of God of Hiawatha, with Pastor Jim Farris officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date at the Wetmore Cemetery.

The family will meet friends one hour prior to services at Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Verna Goodman Memorial Fund, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434, who is assisting the family with arrangements.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com