Sally Prosser Verner

Verner, Sally Prosser

died peacefully at her home on her 96th birthday, November 30, 2025. Her favorite quote was: 'God has numbered my days, but only I can make them count,' one of many paraphrases of Psalm 90:12.

Sally was born in Plant City to Lew and Vaviel Prosser on November 30, 1929. An only child, she graduated as Plant City High School's Valedictorian of the class of 1947. An accomplished dancer, during summers she studied in New York at the school of American Ballet, and went on to college at Duke University where she earned a Phi Beta Kappa Key, was twice elected cheerleader, was an auditioned singer in the Duke Chapel Choir, pledged Tri-Delt sorority, and danced the leading role in the Hoof and Horn annual Production. While at Duke she met her husband, John, there and they remained at Duke for many years while he completed his medical education and joined the faculty.

Sally and John had four children, three (Sally Lew, Vic, and James) during their time in Durham, while she joined the Junior League, served as President of the Duke Medical Dames, on the board of the Durham County Heart Association, as a PTA officer, Cub Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, and co-founder of the Durham County Republican Women's Association.

The Verner family moved to Lakeland, Florida in 1962 when Dr. John joined the Watson Clinic, and their fourth child, Ed, was born shortly after. Sally continued her work in the Junior League and became its Lakeland President, also serving for eight years on the board and executive committee of the United Way. For many years she was on the executive committee of the Needlework Guild Children's Services, and was a founding board member of the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine.

In her "spare" time, Sally also toured with Taproot Theater, a drama program for public schools, was a devotee' and supporter of Lakeland's Imperial Symphony Orchestra, served on its board, and received an honorary doctorate degree from Florida Southern College where she had been a member of the President's and Fine Arts Councils and a concert scholarship sponsor.

Worshiping at the First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, she became a Trustee and a member of the Administrative Board and, for 16 years originated and chaired the lay Care Group visitation and bereavement ministries. Sally's hobbies included tennis, bridge, backpacking, snow skiing, and being a model for local stores and charity events. She was an avid exercise fan, a substitute step aerobics instructor, and a frequent world traveler with husband, John.

Sally was predeceased by her husband, John after 71 happy years of marriage together; by her son, John Victor Verner III; and grandson, Robert Llewellyn German. She is survived by children, Sally Llewellyn Rucker (Jeff) of Florissant, CO; James Prosser Verner and Edward Miller Verner (Amanda) of Plant City, FL; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 20 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church, 303 N. Evers Street, Plant City. Committal to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Plant City.

In lieu of flowers, Sally's request is for donations to the care ministries at First United Methodist Church of Plant City. Expressions of condolence at:

HopewellFuneral.com

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