Verlan Eilers Ferrara, age 94, of Franklin, TN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 17, 2013. We are thankful that God loaned her to us for 94 years. She and her twin sister, Velda, were born on the family farm in South Dakota during a blizzard on November 10, 1919.
The twins were veterans of WWII having enlisted in the Women's Army Corps in 1942. She served in the motor pool at various locations in the United States. It was at Pine Bluff, AK that she met Joseph Ferrara who became her husband in 1946. They then moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she lived until 2008, when she moved to Franklin, TN to be near her daughter.
She was active with the American Legion and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and her church and enjoyed crossword puzzles and word games. She became an avid hunter after retirement and spent many enjoyable mornings in her deer stand.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 60 years, Joseph D. Ferrara and 14 brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her son, Joseph D. Ferrara, II (J.D.), son-in-law, Raymond Hamilla and daughter, Linda Ferrara Harrison, son-in-law, H. Norton Harrison, III and 2 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Libby) Harrison and Scott Harrison.
Verlan was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Under graduate schooling in South Dakota prepared her for teaching before the war and LSU under graduate & graduate schools prepared her for a career in social work. Her career as a social worker spanned 40 years culminating at the state level for Louisiana as a program planner.
Her kind and generous heart made a difference in the lives of so many who knew and loved her. She should have given lessons in how to be a grandmother. She could spoil a child--not by monetary or material things but by her attention and love.
Burial & services will be at a later date at Port Hudson Military Cemetery in Louisiana. A service to celebrate her life will be held 3:00 PM Friday, December 27th at Faith Lutheran Church, 2640 Buckner Road, Thompson's Station, TN 37179.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in her name.
Arrangements by Spring Hill Memorial Park, Funeral Home and Cremation Services 931-486-0059. www.springhill-tnmemorial.com
Service Information
Friday, December 27th, 2013 3:00pm, Faith Lutheran Church
Interment Details
Port Hudson Military Cemetery