Verna Kashner
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Verna's obituary
Verna Kashner, 77, of Smithfield, NC, passed from this life to eternity on January 21, 2026. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, to the late Georgina Williams, Verna was a native of New York but called Smithfield her home for 30 years. It was in North Carolina that she found true peace, joy, and purpose, often testifying: “God has made my ending better than my beginning. He has given me beauty for ashes and the oil of gladness for the spirit of heaviness.”
Verna is survived by her sons: Scott Fifield and wife Laurie of NY, Roger Fifield of FL, Steven Fifield of NY, and Darryl Fifield and wife Tanya of NY. She is also survived by her sister, April Muollo and husband Richard of NY, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A faithful Christian, Verna was a member of River Oak Church of God in Selma for the past 10 years. She led the church’s card ministry, hand-crafting unique scripture tags that blessed hundreds annually. Her creative talents also earned her several trophies in the Eastern NC Church of God Senior Adult Talent competitions for her porcelain doll restorations and seasonal crafts. Prior to her time at River Oak, Verna served for 14 years as the "Young at Heart" leader in Smithfield, where she welcomed all with an open-door policy.
Verna would encourage everyone to seek forgiveness for their sins through Jesus and serve the Lord with their church family at a nearby local church.
Verna’s heart for service extended to her career with RHA Health Services and A Caring Heart, where she supported adults with special needs until her retirement.
An adventurer at heart, Verna loved exploring the Biltmore Estate, Old Salem, NC Aquarium and the NC Museum of Art. She was famous among friends for her "culinary adventures" to Jim’s Seafood in Dunn, always followed by a stop for ice cream at Ronnie Parker’s in Four Oaks.
In her final act of generosity, Verna donated her body to the UNC School of Medicine Body Donation Program, where she now serves as a "silent teacher" for medical students.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM
River Oak Church of God
903 W. Oak St.
Selma, NC 27576
In lieu of flowers, Verna requested that donations be made to the River Oak Church of God.
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