Verna Mae Hedrick was born June 12, 1925 to Nick and Elzada Endres in Bryant, Oklahoma (Okmulgee County). One of nine children, she grew up on a farm, which made her the hardworking woman she was. She graduated from Beggs High School.
She moved to Tulsa and married Jack Robinson. They were blessed with a baby girl, Linda in 1946.
That marriage dissolved in 1951.
She and her sister, Virginia, and brother-in-law, Bud Maddux, built her a concession trailer; she sold concessions at Yahola Lake Resevoir (Mohawk) while they rented boat rides.
She also tapped into another of her loves, which was painting, not only for herself, but she loved to teach others through classes, as well. She won a 1st Place Ribbon at the fair for a quilt she painted.
Vera also loved flowers.
One of her friends asked if they could enter one of her (cockscomb) flowers at the fair, and she agreed; it also won 1st Place.
As years passed, she remarried Ray Cornelius, acquiring 3 stepsons: Lee, Jerry and David Cornelius. She then worked at American Airlines in the corporate offices in downtown Tulsa in the security department.
After a few years, American Airlines moved their Corporate offices to New York City. She decided not to follow the job because she felt New York City was no place to raise a daughter. She then went to work at North American Rockwell in the logistics department; her skill set was not limited to the corporate world. She also loved sewing and went to work for Clarkes Good Clothes and Aline McGregors Dress Shop doing alterations. That's when she decided she would rather work for herself and started doing alterations out of her home, which she continued for many years.
When Linda was in Junior High they started a football team with a drill team and cheerleaders. She sewed uniforms for the whole drill team and cheer squad. She also insisted on making Linda's wedding gown, which caused a lot of tension between the two; you see, she had no pattern but was making her own pattern from a picture of a dress Linda wanted. Linda was convinced it would be horrible, but of course, it turned out beautifully.
In 1980, Ray passed away. On July 28, 1990, she married Lorin Hedrick, acquiring 3 more stepchildren: Skip, Ray and Pam Hedrick. Lorin and Verna spent their golden years together as part of an RV group traveling the United States. In 2013, Lorin passed away.
The Lord was definitely #1 in her life. She started every day with 2-3 hours at the kitchen table doing her Bible reading, devotions and praying. She took numerous Bible courses (8 hours a day) at the age of 90, becoming a certified chaplain. Will Rogers was her church, and she loved it with her whole being, serving in several capacities: administrative board, UMW, Stephens Ministry, and Communion Steward. She was the biggest Prayer Warrior ever.
She said shortly before her death, "Of course I'm not afraid; when he's ready I'll take his hand and go."
And that is exactly what she did!!