Mrs. Vernie Mae Childress, 75, of Monticello, AR died Thursday, September 17, 2020 at Drew Memorial Hospital.  She was a native of Lacey, AR, a past resident of Crossett, AR, a homemaker, and attended Promise Land Baptist Church under the leadership of Ephriam Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Rev. James Childress; her parents, Porter and Treathe Franklin; two sisters, LaFan Rogers and Shirley Tabb; and one brother, Pastor Glen Dale Franklin.  Vernie enjoyed completing word search puzzles and eating potato sticks.  She was active in the church, serving as choir director, mission ministry instructor and was a church mother.

She is survived by one daughter, Angelia Childress, of Monticello, AR; two brothers, John Porter Franklin (Mary) of Lacey, AR and Jerry Wayne Franklin (Delores) of McGehee, AR; three sisters, Ivanell Handley (Floyd), of Lacey, AR, Patricia Staple, of Monticello, AR and Jacalyn Riley, of Westland, MI; one grandson, Michael James Childress; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Graveside service will be Tuesday, September 22, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Ryles Cemetery, White Station Community, with Rev. Semaj Brown officiating.  Active Pallbearers are Darnell Handley, Jerry Franklin, Floyd Handley, Temeka Franklin, Charlie Smith, and Ephriam Franklin.

Viewing will be Monday, September 21, 2020, 1-5:00 p.m., at Cromwell Funeral Home, Inc.

Cromwell Funeral Home is complying with CDC and Arkansas Health Department during this COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.  All attendees are required to wear face masks and practice social distancing.  We are committed to safely caring for our families and our staff.