Mrs. Verna Haynes Lusk's Obituary
"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23
A Life of Purpose and Passion
Verna Haynes Lusk was born on May 23, 1935, in Jewett, Texas, to Hamon and Vesta Haynes. Even as a child, Verna’s beauty and bright spirit were evident to all who knew her. She was a wonderfully inquisitive child, always eager to learn and explore the world around her. Her love of reading blossomed early, and she was rarely seen without a book in hand, a passion that would stay with her for life.
As one of eight children, Verna grew up in a lively, loving, and faith-filled home. She dedicated her life to Christ at a young age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Jewett, and she was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Verna attended G. W. Carver High School, where her intelligence, warmth, and leadership shone brightly. She was honored as Queen of her graduating class, a title she cherished and remembered fondly throughout her life, along with the many superlatives she earned.
General C. Lusk was the love of Verna’s life. During his military service in the Korean War, Verna mailed him a letter every single day, a devotion that made him the envy of his battalion. Upon his return from the Korean War, they married on July 24, 1954, in Centerville, Texas, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and mutual respect.
After their third child they moved to Houston Texas, where they raised their family and became pillars of their neighborhood for 47 years. Even after General’s passing in 2001, Verna continued their shared legacy, balancing the responsibilities of ranching with the vibrancy of city life.
Verna was a devoted member of Greater Oak Grove Baptist Church in Houston, where she loved her church family and friends. She also maintained strong ties to Greater Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Egypt Community, Centerville Texas always supporting its growth and eagerly anticipating the completion of its rebuild.
Her warmth, generosity, and love for Sunday family gatherings and long phone conversations with friends will be dearly missed.
On July 9, 2025, Verna received her wings, joining her beloved husband, General Lusk; her parents Hamon and Vesta Haynes; her brothers, Robert and Billy Jo Haynes; and sisters, Henrietta Sweeney, Evelyn Portis, and Betty Jo Dawkins, in eternal rest.
She leaves to cherish her memory: three children, Melvin Lusk, Marvia Robertson, and Gwendolyn Lusk; her sisters; Burma Faye McClennan (California), Vesta Marie Lusk (Houston) and brother-in law Harold Portis (California); four grandchildren, Millicent Turner ( Houston), Jamie Robertson (Virginia), Erin Moss (Atlanta), and Sheldon Lusk (Houston); three great-grandchildren, Treylyn Turner, Christian “CJ” Turner, and Melanee Turner; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to thank her healthcare staff and team for the loving care and outpouring of love and support from family and friends over the past several months.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made toward the restoration of her beloved home church, Greater Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. 327, Centerville, Texas 75833
A homegoing service honoring Verna’s life will be held on July 19, 2025 at Pleasant Spring Community Church, 4058 County Rd. 204, Centerville, Texas 75833. Viewing – 11:00 A.M. and Service – 12:00 P.M. Interment will follow at Burton Cemetery, Egypt Community.
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