She is also survived by thirty-three years of children and colleagues at the Monticello Middle School where she served as Secretary. To them, she was simply known as Ms. Verda.
Verda moved from El Dorado to Monticello in 1986 with her family. In those early years she was often seen volunteering at Billie's sporting events or serving as class mom. She began serving as a substitute teacher in 1991 in the Monticello School District and became secretary of MMS two years later. She retired last summer but leaves a legacy of kindness and love throughout the halls of MMS.
Verda was a wonderful cook, famous for her Thanksgiving dressing, fried chicken, and Southern casseroles. She loved browsing the piles at Goodwill, going on cruises, and watching a good scary movie. But what she loved most, what she was most proud of, was her family - her children and grandchildren. She never missed a football or softball game, cross-country meet, soccer match, gymnastics or dance competition. She worked hard to give them a good life and then cheered them on with all her heart.
In lieu of flowers, though who desire may donate, in Verda's name, to the work of Monticello 2nd Chance Fur Dogs.
A memorial service for her will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello, Arkansas. All are welcome. You can sign Mrs. Verda's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(22)
Rhonda Trantham
Monticello, AR Friday, April 14, 2023 So sorry for your loss .Loved working with Miss Verda and was dearly missed when she retired and prayers to the family.Laura McNeese
Foley, AL Thursday, April 13, 2023 I am sorry for y’all’s loss! Verda was such a wonderful lady!!God Bless the family!
Misty Wilhite
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 12, 2023 I am saddened to hear of the passing of Ms. Verda. She was a very sweet and special lady. She always called me if there was any question about the needs of my kids when they were at MMS! I loved her and they did too! Continued prayers for you Leah and The Schell Family.Jana Wright
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 12, 2023 I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Ms. Verda. She was an awesome lady! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!Lisha Davis
Hamburg, AR Thursday, April 6, 2023 To Verda’s Family:So many happy memories of my time working for the former MJHS many years ago with Verda. To know Verda was to love her. My heart was filled with so much sadness when I heard she had passed away. She was so much fun to be around. Her friendship will always be cherished. To her children, your mother had such an enormous impact on so many peoples’ lives. She was an angel among us. Know that you guys were always the most special and important people in her life. I pray that the Lord will bring you comfort during this time. Thank you for sharing your mom with all of us. She will be forever loved, appreciated, and remembered.
John and Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 6, 2023 You are all in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead. Ms. Verda was a sweetheart and joy to be around. We know she will be missed by many.Love, John, Paige, & Family
Cherie Brown
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 5, 2023 My prayers are with you!Reverend Neich & Carol Robinson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 5, 2023 We are heartbroken by the transition of Mrs Schell… we loved her and are praying for her family. She had a beautiful spirit and her presence will be miss by many of us.Jeff Fowler
monticello, AR Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Sweet Granny.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Dear Family, I am so sorry about the loss of Verda. You have my condolences at this sad time. I have had the privilege to know Verda for many years. i first saw her at an assembly at the then Monticello Jr. High not long after the family moved here - before she started working for the school. I worked for the school district and often saw Verda when I would be on her campus. She was well liked and a Monticello Middle School Icon. You all have my prayers of comfort as this very sad time.Jana Lambert
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 4, 2023 I'm sorry to hear of your lost. I grew up with Jon and Leah, Ms. Schell was a great person. When I started as a sub she would always call me herself and asked if I could sub for her. She always kept a snack and asked if I would like some. She watched out for me as if I was her own. She had a heart of gold. She will truly be missed. But never forgotten.Lorie Jones
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Ms. Verda was full of kindness, fun, and sass. I loved getting to know her at MMS. She will be greatly missed. God bless you all.Kay Ozment
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 4, 2023 So sorry for your loss!! Prayers going for Verda’s family.🙏♥️🙏Martha Elaine Barbee
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Ms. Verda was such a nice lady. I remember how excited she was for Dakota when she called me to make sure that I attended the Teacher Awards when he was in the 6th grade. She always had a smile on her face & could make you laugh. She will be truly missed.Sharon Bayliss
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Leah and Family, so very saddened to read about your Mom. Hold on to the memories in the long days ahead. May The Lord sustain you by His Mercy, Love, and Grace.George. Burks
Alexander, AR Tuesday, April 4, 2023 I loved visiting with Ms Verda she was a fun person to be with. I aways looked forward to seeing her. My prayers for her Children in this time of grief.Cathy Coker
Little Rock, AR Monday, April 3, 2023 I am heartbroken for your loss. She was my dear friend for many years and I loved her so much! I’m glad Cliff and I were able to spend a couple of hours with her in ICU. Even under sedation she was feisty! She loved her family and friends with everything she had. I’ll cherish the memories we made.Barbara A Posey
Monticello, AR Monday, April 3, 2023 You will be missed by everyone in the family. I didn't realize how very sick you were last Monday. To all the Schell family you are in my thoughts and prayers. Big MamaARCHEY LEE
LONGVIEW, AR Monday, April 3, 2023 Sending healing prayers and comfort to the Family and Love Ones during this difficult time.Becky Young
Warren, AR Monday, April 3, 2023 I love you all very much. I considered Verda as my sister. My prayers are with your family, and may God always guide you during this difficult time and always.Love,
Becky
Debra Ingram
Monticello, AR Monday, April 3, 2023 My condolences to the family. This was a great shock to me. I loved working with Ms. Verda in the Monticello School District! She would call me at my school to get information about a student and when I called to check on my grandkids she would always make sure they was doing good. When my son would get sick she would be the first one to call me to let me know what was going on. She was a very sweet , funny and caring person. I will never forget her. Rest in love Ms. Verda you will truly be missed.Love Debra Ingram
Wesley Carnicle
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 2, 2023 Sorry for your loss