Vernabelle Abbott Massey

Vernabelle Massey was a lifelong resident of Van Buren County. She began her education in a one-room country school and continued on to graduate from Lawton High School and Parson’s Business College. After graduation, she began a long career as a secretary and during WWII, she volunteered in a local hospital. Vernabelle was a very active, independent, and energetic person. She was devoted to her church and local charities. Her hobbies were genealogy research, reminiscence writing, reading, needlepoint, and stained glass work, and she traveled extensively. She also enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling, and square dance. Vernabelle was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Ethel Abbott, husband Donald Massey, and sister Helen Armantrout. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great niece and nephews, as well as many relatives and friends. Vernabelle recently enjoyed celebrating her 100th birthday with family and friends. She will be greatly missed. All her life, Vernabelle strove to bring joy and laughter to those who knew her.