Verna Lee Pope Burch

Verna Lee Pope Burch, a beloved matriarch and esteemed member of the Port St. Joe community, passed away peacefully at her home in Marianna, Florida, on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the remarkable age of 93. Born in Louisiana on September 26, 1931, Verna led a life rich in love, service, and dedication to her family and friends.

Her professional journey began in 1967 when she embarked on a career in banking that would span a quarter of a century. Verna retired in 1992 as the President of First Union National Bank in Port St. Joe, a position that underscored her remarkable leadership and commitment to financial stewardship within her community.

Educated at Port St. Joe High School, from which she graduated in 1951, Verna carried forth a spirit of determination and hard work that defined her both personally and professionally. She was a star basketball player and spelling bee champion in middle school. A lady of many passions, she delighted in fishing, traveling, and playing golf during her younger days.

Verna was a proud member of Beach Baptist Chapel and regularly attended Long Avenue Baptist Church and RCC in Marianna, Florida. Her conscience was ever attuned to those around her, illustrated through her long service on the board of directors for Gulf County Senior Citizens for twenty-five years. Additionally, she found camaraderie in the Gulf County Red Hat Society, where she connected with friends in shared laughter and joy. A devoted volunteer at Sacred Heart Hospital, Verna also held esteemed memberships in the Order of the Eastern Star, the Ladies Auxiliary to VFW (as a Lifetime Member), the Marianna Woman's Club, and the Rambling Rose Red Hat Society, enriching the lives of those she encountered.

Verna is survived by her cherished family, including two children, Pam Arnette and her husband David of Marianna, Florida, and Rusty Burch and his wife Debbie of Port St. Joe, Florida. She also leaves behind her brother, Bobby Pope of Louisiana, sister, Dot Chavers of Louisiana, and daughter -in-law Donna Burch of New Johnsonville, Tennessee. Her legacy extends to her grandchildren, Leigh Guy and her husband Mike of Mexico Beach, Florida, Will Arnette and his wife Kristen of Marianna, Florida, Trevor Burch and his wife Noelle of Altha, Florida, and Tiffany Lemus and her husband Elvis of Port St. Joe, Florida. Her great-grandchildren, Ava Guy, Brody Guy, Chase Guy, Max Arnette, Grayson Arnette, Noah Arnette, Ellie Burch, and Emmie Burch, will carry forth her spirit and memory. She is also survived by her beloved fur babies, Clifford and Socks.

Verna was preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty years, Roy Lee Burch, and her son, Gregg Burch; parents, John Henry Pope Sr. and Mary Etta Temple Pope, along with her brother, John Henry Pope Jr., and sister, Virginia Furmage. She is also preceded in death by a special friend of fourteen years, Colonel John R. Flint Sr.

As we reflect on Verna's life, we celebrate a woman who epitomized grace, compassion, and dedicated service to her community and family. A visitation will be held at Holly Hill Cemetery in Port St. Joe, Florida, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, commencing at 10:00 AM EST, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 AM EST with Pastor David Nichols officiating. Please join us in honoring the memory of this remarkable woman who made an indelible mark in our hearts and lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vitas Hospice (4540 Lafayette St. Ste. G and E. Marianna, FL 32446).

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.