Verna R. Carlson, 98, formerly of Williamsport, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022 at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Danville.
She was born to the late Ethel (Lines) and Wrentham McGarry in Bloomington, PA on Nov. 20, 1923.
She had a loving and supportive family, including her three older brothers, Tom, Forrest, and Bill, who always looked out for her.
They lived on a farm in the house that her father built. Many nights were spent singing and playing music together. An orange was considered a special gift at Christmas.
She walked to a one room schoolhouse, and with her lifelong love for learning she skipped two grades, enabling her to graduate from high school at age 15.
At age 16 she met her future husband, the late John C. Carlson, at a neighbor’s farm. They were married in 1946. Their only son, John Philip, was happily born in 1949.
They lived in Apollo, PA until 1958, when they moved to Williamsport. She lived in the same house until she became ill on April 19, 2021.
She was active at the First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, played the organ and piano, and helped with the youth fellowship group.
She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
A beautician in Rush Beauty Salon, she made many friends through work, which she loved.
She greatly enjoyed reading including every volume of the World Book Encyclopedia! She and her husband liked driving around the state to visit museums and other historic sites. They were “sinker and worm” fisherman.
She of course loved her grandchildren and fostered their interest in singing and music.
Surviving is her son, Dr. John (Holly) Carlson of Danville; two grandchildren, Hope Carlson (Dr. Edwin) Chen and Christopher (Mae) Carlson; and six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Evelyn, Samuel, James, Catherine and David.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24 at Spitler Funeral Home, 733 Broad St., Montoursville with Rev. Gwen N. Bernstine officiating. Burial will follow in Twin Hills Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
