Verna Mae Markham

The six of us, her children, announce the passing of our mother, Verna Mae Markham, age 92, of Topeka, Kansas. With her passing, she has stepped into that great hope of eternal life through her Savior Jesus Christ. She joins her beloved husband, Eugene A. Markham, who preceded her in death.

Verna Mae was a farmer's daughter, born March 19, 1931, the third child of Charles Hokr and Rose Anna Brashna Hokr of Geneseo, Kansas. Both sides of Verna's family were immigrants of Czechoslovakia who homesteaded farms in the dustbowl of Kansas during the Great Depression.

Verna was orphaned as an infant when her mother passed on October 7, 1931. Her mother died of quinsy, a disease very much like severe strep throat. Verna was raised and nurtured by her father Charlie Hokr, and her Grandma Brashna, and a close-knit family of many uncles, aunties, and cousins from neighboring farms.

The harsh life of the Great Depression and being supported by such a large extended family, taught our mother the value of family and developed her nurturing spirit; her greatest gift for which she was known.

The six of us were the recipients of her motherly instincts and will miss her greatly, but are overjoyed at the coming to her new home with Christ our Savior.

Verna is survived by her six children and their spouses, DeLaine (Chuck) Klusener, Drew (Kathy) Markham, Debra (Keith) Simon, Dawn Lindner-LaForge (Paul), Dane (Kim) Markham, Danna (Rick) Petrik, 16 grand children and spouses, 25 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Topeka Bible Church, 1101 SW Mulvane, Topeka, Ks 66604.  A visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by the service at 11:00 am.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Bible Church or to Interim Healthcare of Topeka, and sent in care of Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka Ks 66608.