Verna Fraley

Obituary of Verna Mae Fraley

Verna Mae (Chaffins) Fraley was born June 21, 1939 at home in Sizemore, Kentucky. She went to rest in the arms of Jesus, January 27,2020.

Verna Mae was the youngest child of William Nelson Chaffins and Grace Ellen (Tuttle) Chaffins – Poppy & Little Mommy. As a young lady, Mae was very shy and loved to learn & read. She graduated from high school early and was accepted to Alice Lloyd College in Caney, Kentucky where she received her associates degree. She then transferred to Morehead State University and earned her teaching degree. Mom taught in a one room school house in Minnie, Kentucky, teaching first grade through high school. Later she taught school in Ohio.

Charles David and Verna Mae married July 23, 1964. They lived in Limestone, Maine, where Dad was stationed at Loring AFB. Kimberly was born in 1966. In 1967 Dad was called to serve in Vietnam, so Mom & Kimberly relocated back to Kentucky to be with Little Mommy. While Dad was in Florida training, Dava was born and he wasn’t able to see her before shipping out. Mom & Dad would make voice recordings to send to each other, and Mom would have us listen to them. Mom showed us pictures and talked about Dad all the time, so when Daddy came home Dava went right to him.

Mom received her baby boy, Brian, in October of 1969, in Aurora, Colorado. Mom learned to love Colorado. We had adventures to the zoo & museums, fishing, playing at the park, camping in the mountains and the beautiful scenery. Mom was always involved with her children and never failed to read us a book or two every night.

Dad’s Air Force career finally brought us to Tucson in 1976, which has been her home since. Mom was always involved with teaching whether it was her own children or volunteering at a school. She’s was involved with Job’s Daughters and DeMolay Masonic Youth Organizations for many years. Mom had a way of making people feel heard, understood, loved and always welcomed. She graced this world for 80 years, and without a doubt, she blessed us everyday.

We have received notes and calls from so many stating how Mom has impacted their life as a child, teen, and adult. Mom never met a stranger because everyone couldn’t help but respect and love her. She was a role model not only for her family, but all who came in contact with her. Mom has left a legacy far larger than I would have ever imagined.

Verna Mae is survived by her ever loving husband Charles David Fraley, Daughters Kimberly Smith of Keller, TX (Ross) & Dava Jondall of Tucson, AZ (Michael), son Brian Fraley of Tucson, AZ.

Grandchildren, her Pride and Joy: Kelsea Jondall, Tayler Jondall, Amberly Smith, Aspen Smith, Jasmin Fraley & Briana Fraley; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends that became family.

She was preceded in death by her parents William Nelson (Poppy) & Grace Ellen (Little Mommy) Chaffins, brothers Elder Mitchell Chaffins, Orville Chaffins, Enon Chaffins, Hayes Chaffins, sisters, Norsie Tuttle, Laura Chaffins, & infant sister Etta Mae Chaffins.

After the memorial service, light refreshments will be served at the Fraley home.

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Friday
31
January

Memorial Service

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Friday, January 31, 2020
Bring's Broadway Chapel
6910 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, Arizona, United States
(520) 296-7193