Obituary - Vernette (Messer) Stephens

Vernettie Stephens age 72 of Barbourville, Kentucky, departed this life on Sunday, October 23, 2023 at her home. She was the daughter of Ewell David Messer and Lydia (Payne) Messer born to them on March 9, 1951 in Knox County. On January 22, 1966, she united in marriage with Lee Roy Mills and to this union six children were born.

Early in life she worked at Warner’s and Lawson Furniture in Barbourville and was a cook for a while at the 49er Truck Stop in Livingston. Vernettie was a member of the Old Ark House of Prayer and was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time with her family and her fur babies.

She is preceded in death by her husband Lee Roy Mills, her parents, Ewell David and Lydia Messer and a son, Rondall Mills.

Left behind to mourn her passing, her five children, Randall Mills and wife Anita, Michael Mills and wife Kathy, Wanda Stewart and husband Willie, Connie Stewart and husband Jimmie and Martin Mills and wife Jamie all of Barbourville, one brother, Nelson Messer of Cannon and one sister, Esterleen Bussell of Tazewell, Tennessee, ten grandchildren, Phillip Broughton, Brandon Mills, Brian Mills, Amy Sizemore, Tiffany Smith, McKinzie Gray, Matthew Mills, Gabriel Mills, Alishia Dales and Courtney Mills, nineteen great-grandchildren, a cousin and best friend who was more like a sister, Oda Mae Goldsworthy, her fur babies, Peanut, Skipper, Bruce and Tiny along with several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Vernettie Stephens will be conducted in the Hampton Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Jason Smith officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Henry Mills Cemetery on Road Fork. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Hampton Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service at 1:00 p.m.