Verna M. Yeoman, educator par excellence, humanitarian to many, and a friend to all, departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 79 years old. Verna had been a resident at Churchman Village in Newark, DE for the past four years. She was born on March 8, 1940 in Wilmington, DE to the late Benjamin Franklin Yeoman, Jr. and Emma (Saye) Yeoman.

Verna graduated from Henry T. Conrad High School in 1959 and then received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in education from the University of Delaware. Verna was elected to Delta Kappa Gamma International, which honors women educators. She went on to be a teacher at Pleasantville Elementary School for many years and later taught at McCullough Elementary School from which she retired. After retirement, she spent many hours at the University of Delaware College of Life Long Learning. Verna was an avid reader and lover of knowledge.

Verna was proud of her years as a Girl Scout and then leader. Camping at Grove Point was an especially fond memory. She taught and practiced the Girl Scout promise. Verna loved to garden flowers and vegetables. She loved nature and being outdoors whether she was hiking or just sitting on a bench with the wind blowing through her hair.

Verna is survived by a multitude of friends and family that will remember her for her bright smile and warm personality. Among those are her wife of 17 years, Harriette Rensch; stepchildren: Stephanie Hamilton, Johanna Witten, and Christina Friehauf; brother, Benjamin Franklin Yeoman, III (Cheryl) nieces: Tracy Yeoman and Kelly Odum; and special friends: June Smith, Connie McKelvey, Peg Stilwell, and Sally Jeffrey.

The family would like to thank Verna’s wonderful caregivers: Churchman Village staff, Compassionate Care, and the Christiana Health Care System.

A celebration of Verna’s life will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 11:00 AM at R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made payable to, “Forgotten Cats, Inc.” or “Faithful Friends Animal Society” and sent in care of the funeral home.