Obituary of Verna Mae Dorton

“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms… she stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:17&20 KJV

Verna Mae Stallard Dorton, 95, of Big Stone Gap, VA went to be with the Lord and her family on Friday, January 17, 2020 at the home of her daughter Wanda Parsons. She was born in Scott County, VA, on September 28, 1924, to the late John Stallard and Nannie Carter Stallard. Due to the passing of her mother, she was raised by her grandparents Duncan and Sarah Adkins Stallard. Verna was known for her singing in Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio where she sang in churches, funerals, and radio broadcasts. Verna set an example for her family throughout her Christian life and the strength she embodied her entire life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Garnie B. “Buddy” Dorton; sons, Gary Dorton, Rickey Dorton, and Garnie Dorton Jr.; beloved brother-in-law who lived with the family for 65 years, James Elmer Dorton; brothers, James “Jim” Stallard and Leonard Stallard; sisters, Nelle Stallard, Lois Stallard Carter, June Stallard Starnes, and Vonda Stallard Davis; infant sisters, Agnes and Virginia Stallard.

Survivors include her daughters, Janice Wines (Bobby), Bobbie Sweeney (James), Norma Calhoun (Ronnie), and Wanda Parsons (David); twelve grandchildren; twenty seven great-grandchildren;  brothers, John “Jack” Stallard Jr., Larry Stallard and wife Jan, and Darrell Stallard and wife Ginger; sisters, Pauline Stallard, Christine Leonard and husband Earl, and Patsy Nunley; brother-in-law, Cecil Davis; sister-in-law, Jewell Stallard; special caregivers, Candice and Aaron Pierson and Amanda Livesay; special friend/sister, Gaphina Miller; along with a host of friends and extended family.

The family will receive friends from 4pm to 7pm on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Scott County Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow with Pastor Rex Owens, Pastor Larry Stallard, and Elder David Parsons officiating.

 A graveside service will be conducted at 2pm on Monday, January 20, 2019 at The Hall Cemetery with Jerry Wines, Bret Wines, Mike Sweeney, Aaron Dorton, James Henderson, Brady Witt, and Aaron Pierson serving as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home by 1:00pm to go in procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.

To express a condolence please visit our website at www.cartertrent.com.

Carter-Trent/Scott County Funeral Home is serving the Dorton family.