of Benton, AR

January 25, 1932 - August 20, 2025

Verna Jane Hackney Garnett, age 93, passed away peacefully at her residence in the Mount Carmel Community in Benton, Arkansas, on August 20, 2025.

Born on January 25, 1932, in Woodford County, Kentucky, Verna was the only child of William Lane Hackney and Rose Jane Evins Hackney. She was educated in Woodford County, attending Millville Elementary and graduating from Woodford County High School. Following her graduation, she pursued studies in art, general studies, and business at Bethel Women's College in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

In 1951, Verna married her childhood sweetheart, James Don Garnett, with whom she shared 66 devoted years of marriage until his passing in 2017. Their union was blessed with five children over the course of 13 years.

Verna worked at the Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky, before choosing to devote herself fully to her growing family. In 1965, the Garnett family relocated to Thayer, Missouri, where all five children attended and graduated from Thayer Public Schools. During this time, Verna worked for 13 years as a teacher's aide within the Thayer School System and supported her husband in his pallet mill business.

A woman of deep faith, Verna was an active and devoted member of the First Baptist Church in both Kentucky and Missouri. She contributed to countless Vacation Bible School programs and loved singing in the church choir. Her greatest joy, however, came from supporting her children in their many activities and later caring for her husband in his later years with unwavering dedication.

Verna is lovingly remembered by her five children: Randy Garnett (Wanda) of Protem, Missouri; Kim Dills (Steve) of Bryant, Arkansas; Donna Ward of Washington, D.C.; James Dee Garnett of Englewood, Colorado; and Lyn Darmstaedter (John) of Sterlington, Louisiana. She is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Officiating will be Bro. Perry Black, Senior Pastor of Family Church in Bryant. Grandsons John Darmstaedter II, Jeff Dills, Lane Garnett, Paul Henson, and Travis Stuart will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 - 10:00 AM at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations in Verna's memory to one of the following organizations: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Alzheimer's Foundation, Arkansas Children's Hospital, or Second Chance Youth Ranch.

Verna's life was a reflection of quiet strength, deep love, and steadfast faith. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, devotion, and family.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home
6700 Alcoa Road
Benton, AR  72019
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com