Vera "Vernell" Willis-Rogers

Vera Vernell (McCarty) Willis Rogers of Logan, NM went to be with Jesus on February 6, 2024 in Logan, NM. She was 95 years old. Vernell was born on May 3, 1928, to Charles Virgil McCarty and Bessie Ellen Brown McCarty in Anthon, Texas. As she always said, she moved to NM in the Mesilla Valley area when she was 4 months old. She grew up on a farm and was soon united in marriage to Earl Everett Willis on July 28, 1944, in Mesilla Park, NM. Mr. Willis predeceased Vernell on November 28, 1985. They were married for 41 years and had 5 children: Larry Dean Willis, Joy Eileen Willis, Kenneth Dale Willis, Darliss Gaye Willis, and Nana Lanette Willis. The family lived in many communities and Vernell developed and maintained meaningful relationships with friends in each location. 

As a widow, Vernell was united in marriage to Linley Emmet Rogers on August 25, 1991. They were married 22 years. 

She was a very smart woman earning her GED in 1975, enabling her to receive a degree from the International Business College.  She worked as a dietician in the Ft Sumner hospital and in the library there. She was a determined woman with a good heart. She loved crafting, wildflowers, fishing, clouds, butterflies, angels, and sunsets. But most of all she loved her Jesus and wanted everyone to know Him. 

Vernell is preceded in death by both of her husbands Earl Willis and Emmet Rogers, her parents; her 6 siblings: MaeBelle Walsmith, Leroy McCarty, Louise Johnson, Jake McCarty, Benny McCarty, Mary Ann Umphres, and her daughter Lanette McQuillian.

Vernell is survived by her children: Larry Willis, Eileen and Ross Kuhre, Kenneth and Dell Willis, Darliss and Ted Peabody; her grandchildren: Lorraine Willis, Crystal (Paul) Asette, Toby (Jeanell) Willis, Bethany Willis, Corey (Kristina) Willis, Zane (Angel) Willis, Wendy Escamilla, Misty (Jon) Hollinger, Ted (Jodi) Peabody, John (Hana) McQuillian; 25 great grandchildren; Emmet’s children and grandchildren; as well as extended family and countless friends.

Visitation hours will be Thursday, February 8th from 1pm to 6pm at the funeral home.

A celebration of Vernell's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 09, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Fort Sumner, with Vernell's grandsons officiating. Interment will follow at the Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include all of her grandchildren. 

The family requests memorial contributions to Autumn Blessings Assisted Living Nursing Scholarship, 400 Sunset Blvd, Logan, NM 88426, or the NM Baptist Children's Home, https://www.nmbch.com/get-involved-1/giving. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico (575) 355-2311. 

To place an online tribute, share a memory with the family or sign the guestbook, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com