Verna Mae Thompson was born to John Guy and Beulah Jean (Anderson) Thompson in Schuyler County on December 19, 1925. She was raised in Cass County and resided in Beardstown until 1956 but Beardstown and her lifelong friends remained in her heart. She was a 1943 graduate of Beardstown High School and was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beardstown.
Verna married Charles Faletti on October 23, 1949. They were blessed with one daughter, Carletta (Carla) Jean. The family moved from Illinois to Spokane, Washington in 1966 where Verna was employed by the Spokane Public Schools followed by a move to Portland, Oregon where she was employed by the Federal Government.
Verna was widowed on November 4, 1974, after which she remained in Oregon until her marriage to David Henry Byrum Sr. on January 6, 1979, and returned to Spokane, Washington until his death in 2005 after which she returned to the Portland/Vancouver area where she made her home until her death on January 30, 2022.
Verna was a wonderful homemaker, devoted and loving wife and mother and an amazing grandmother. She had a strong conviction to the Lord and knew she would join her loved ones who went before her.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Verna was preceded in death by her grandparents who raised her, Harry and Bertha (Fanning) Anderson, an infant brother, Wesley Earl Thompson, niece, Jeanette Benson Long and nephew, Stephen Benson.
Verna is survived by her daughter, Carla Faletti of Vancouver, Washington, sister, Shirley Benson of Ohio, niece, Janis (John) Shriver of Ohio and nephew, Brad Potts of Idaho. Also surviving are granddaughters, Emily Escudero, Jeanine (Brandon) Jessee, Danielle (Henry) Priest, and Heather O’Donnell; great-grandchildren, Charles Escudero, Sarah Escudero, Jaden Escudero and Virginia Priest.
Verna is also survived by step-sons, Fred (Peggy) Byrum, David (Carrie) Byrum and Ron Byrum, step-grandchildren, whom she loved as her own, David Mike (Jacquie) Byrum, Debbie Byrum James, Deanna (Sean) Dennison, Kathleen (Frank) Kai, Heidi Byrum, Rick (Amy) Byrum and Jeana (Chad) Swanson. Fifteen great-grandchildren and thirteen great-great-grandchildren also survive.
Verna will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Charles Faletti. Friends and family are invited to a graveside remembrance on May, 13, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Virden Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Virden, Illinois.
