Vernesha Stevenson Obituary

Vernesha Lee Stevenson (Bootsie), 70, of Murfreesboro, TN, and formerly of Obion County, died peacefully December 9, 2021, at her home. Funeral service will be held at 11a.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at White-Ranson Funeral Home. Bro. David Stockton will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Her six "grandmonkeys" will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held at White-Ranson Funeral Home Monday, from 4-7p.m. and beginning at 10a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Bootsie was born on August 20, 1951, daughter of the late Chester James and Dorothy Louise Sampson. She married Robert Mackinnon Stevenson February 16, 2001. She was immensely proud to graduate from UT Martin in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education with high honors.

She then taught at Lake Road Elementary School for many years, instilling the joy and precision of mathematics and science to the sixth grade and coaching cheerleading for many years. She was known by her students as Mrs. Prather and shared her joy and zest for life with all who came into contact with her. She had also taught in Virginia Beach, VA and in Portsmouth, UK.

She had a passion for handcrafts and enjoyed quilting, crocheting and knitting. She felt she was a better crocheter than knitter. She was a planner, list maker and organizer as well as an avid traveler, supporting the family in all their endeavors. She was a committed Christian and was a member of Zion United Methodist Church, Union City, and latterly of Blackman United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro, TN.

In addition to her husband, Bootsie is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Renee Thompson of Union City; her son, Joshua Ryan Prather and his wife Erin of Oakland, TN; six grandchildren, John Coble Garrett and his wife Morgan of Union City, Jack Garrett of Union City, Jalen Prather, Jacob Prather, Joey Mol and Jasper Prather all of Oakland, TN; and many cousins.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Alex Davis; and her loving uncle, Hoyt Lee Sampson. The family request donations in lieu of flowers to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, as this will honor her passion in helping others who desperately need our help.