Verna May Whitney, 72, of Paragould, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2017.  She was born June 18, 1944, in Schugtown, Arkansas, to Edward and Leople Howard. Verna worked 16 years at Emerson Electric.  She was of the Baptist faith.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Whitney; son and daughter in law, James and Renee Whitney, of Paragould; brother, Henry Howard; sisters, Stella Wrinkle, Della Jackson, Geraldine Wortham, Linda Walker, and Phyllis Montgomery; grandchildren, Jonathan and Jennifer Whitney.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 28, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p. m. at Phillips Funeral Home.  The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Center Hill Chapel of Phillips Funeral Home with Joel McMasters officiating.  Burial will follow at the Pine Log Cemetery.