Verna Suydam Flynn

FLYNN, Verna Suydam, age 88, of Goochland County, Va., passed away peacefully September 21, 2008. Verna was born in Pennington, N.J., March 11, 1920. She was married to Wendell Phillips Bowman Flynn October 28, 1939. They lived many happy years together at Howard's Neck Farm in Goochland, Va. Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell. She is survived by three children, Wendell B. Flynn Jr., Elizabeth Flynn and Mary Flynn Clayton and husband, J.T. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Wendell B. Flynn III, Becky Whitby, Beth Baldwin, Michael Gamage, Rachel Jorgenson and Jason Gamage; five great-grandchildren, Ellen, Adora, Sarah, Cole and Austin; as well as several nieces, nephews and in-laws. In 1950, Verna was the president of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 215, Goochland, Va., and a member for many years. In 1957, Verna joined the Goochland Garden Club and was an honorary member. She served on the Goochland chapter of the American Cancer Association for three years. She was also a member of the Goochland Theatre Guild. She was the first woman to serve on the grand jury in Goochland County October 10, 1966. She served and drove for the National American Red Cross Motor Service in Richmond, Va. She was also a member of the Goochland Historical Society and the Fluvanna Historical Society. She was a member and served on the church vestry for several years at St. John's Episcopal Church in Columbia, Va., and also served as an altar guild. Verna was an enthusiastic gardener and enjoyed all wildlife. She presented several slide presentations for many groups on wildlife and especially wildflowers. Predominantly, however, she devoted her life to her family, all of whom she loved dearly. Special thanks to the staff at Davita, in Charlottesville, Va., and Dr. Kevin R. McConnell. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at Norman Funeral Home, Goochland, Va., from 5 to 7 p.m. A private funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 11 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Columbia, Va. Contributions may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church Cemetery Fund.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.