Verlen Hannah, 78, of Murphy passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in a Murphy hospital. Verlen was a native of Bessemer City, North Carolina, where he lived until the age of 21. He retired as a major after 23 ½ years with the United States Army, followed by 5 ½ years with the National Guard. During his military career, Verlen lived in Germany on two different occasions, Korea, and Fort Gordon, Georgia, near Augusta, before moving to Murphy in 1993. Verlen was of the Baptist faith.
He was the son of the late Wenzlow Donald and Pearlee Weaver Hannah and the husband of 57 years to Amanda Jane James Hannah, who died November 12, 2018. He was also preceded in death by a son, Richard Scott Hannah; three sisters, Betty Lou Mitchem, Yvonne Hannah Blackwood, and Sonja Hannah; and two brothers, Grady and Donald Hannah.
Surviving are a daughter, Susan Lee Hannah and husband, Steven Goldberg of Evans, Georgia; two sons, Stephen Mark Hannah and wife, Margaret of Apex, North Carolina and Jason Keith Hannah and wife, Mitzi of Martinez, Georgia; a sister, Janice Arrowood and husband, Danny of Seneca, South Carolina; two brothers, Jerry Hannah and wife, Faye of Hollywood, Florida and David Hannah and wife, Diane of Bessemer City; six grandchildren and a step-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 19, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Edward Carter officiating. The interment was in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. The 82nd Sustainment Brigade Honors Team served as pallbearers.
The family received friends from 12-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Verlen Hannah to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org/donate.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
He was one to dream and plan. Dad had a mental picture of the mountain house, and used his leadership skills and hard work to make his vision a reality. He was proud of his property. He was very proud of his family. His glass was always half full.
Verlen was calm, caring and kind to his core. He liked people and learning. He was gentle and patient. Verlen was conscientious, brave, generous, and reliable. He made us feel special. He loved us fiercely no matter what. I could never imagine the world without him in it when we spoke about it, because I didn’t want to. I still don’t. Verlen will always be loved. He will always, always be missed.
Love Sis
You said, "You are my sister and always will be". My heart skipped a beat with warmth of even more love if that is possible. I sent my last email to you sharing my heart felt love for you. You told me for weeks you were at peace and that you knew GOD was going to take care of you. I thank you for being the older brother reminding me of our faith in GOD. I will love you always Brother.
Love, Sis