A kind and gentle soul, a gracious and loving lady, Martha Ellen Vernon, entered eternal rest on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the age of 83. She was born December 24, 1936 to Jesse Ransom Blanton and Zadie Ezzell Blanton, living most of her life in Bladen and Pender Counties.

She is preceded in death by her husband, David Earl Vernon, Sr.; daughter, Zadie Hall; and son, Wade Vernon.

Martha  is survived by her devoted family; daughter, Ann Robinson and husband Edgar; sons, David Earl Vernon and wife, Rose and J. R. Vernon and wife, Karen; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Alice Caison (Ray) and Rosa Paquette (Al); and many extended family and friends.

Filled with kindness, compassion and a Christian spirit, Martha welcomed everyone she met into her wide circle of close knit family and friends. She loved all of God's wonderful world of nature and she especially enjoyed watching the birds, planting flowers and her cat, Sunshine. Martha's life was dedicated to God and to her family that she so dearly loved. Her sweet smile and gentle spirit will be remembered.

A graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2020 at Riverview Memorial Park. The Rev. Jerry Worley will conduct the service.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.