Vernice Autry, 87

April 3, 1936 – October 24, 2023

Mrs. Vernice Autry, 87, of Houston, MS. transitioned on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at North MS Medical Center, in Tupelo, MS

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

Vernice Neal Crawford Autry was born April 3, 1936 in Chickasaw County, Mississippi to the  late Mr. and Mrs. Jack Neal. She was the fourth of six children. At an early age, she accepted Christ at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she was faithful unto death.

She was a devoted President of the Missionary Society, a dedicated teacher for Vacation Bible School, Former Vice President of the North Mt. Olive Missionary Society, and the church programmer.

In 1953, she married the late Oron Crawford Sr. and to this union five beautiful children were born. Of the five, three of them preceded her in death. Bryant, Oron Jr., and Steven Wayne Crawford, Sr. In 1965 she joined in holy matrimony to the late Dr. Presley A. Autry and to this union, one beautiful daughter was born.

Vernice began her early education down on the Ridge at the Nelson School. Upon finishing the eighth grade, she matriculated to Okolona College where she completed her High School Diploma. She received her B.S. Degree from Mississippi Industrial College in Holly Springs, MS. Her teaching career began at Houlka School District, where she worked for many years.. In 1966, she transferred from Houlka to the Houston School District where she retired in 1998 after 32 years of service.

In addition to teaching first grade, and shaping many young lives, she also side-lined as a dentist pulling teeth of students and family members. She was a sports enthusiast prompted no doubt by her daughter Cynthia who was a outstanding basketball player. She was well known for her love of cooking fried corn, greens, fried chicken, cornbread, and the world’s famous pound cake which often imitated but never duplicated. One of her past times was feeding her children and grandchildren Sunday dinner.

Vernice will be greeted in Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, parents, husbands, siblings (Elmer Lee, Jack Jr., Ben, Charlene), and children. The legacy that she lives behind is her strong faith in God and her love for her family. As evidence by the tender loving care and patience shown to her great grandson Koby. Children Kelvin Crawford, Barbara Crawford, and Cynthia (LaShorn) Belk. Fourteen grandchildren, Dennis, Tounya, Ralph (YaYa); Tina (Jamie), Amy, OJ, Christy, Whitney, Steve (Tiffany), Rita (Reggie), Tracy (EJ); Joseph, Paris (Asheem), and Kenyatta; Thirty-four great-grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren; her sister Mable Lean Neal Stanfield; sister in laws Doris Crockett Neal, Luller B. Ray and Irene Autry; her brother in law Billy Katie Autry; special affection for Anthony Johnson. She lives loving memories in the hearts of many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. She was beloved by all.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Services will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at Pleasant Grove M.B. Church, 1451 County Road 402, Houston, MS  38851.

Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Pontotoc, MS

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.