Elaine Vernon

On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, Katherine Elaine Vernon, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at the age of 84. Elaine was born on August 22, 1936, in Dallas, Texas to Frances Katherine and Joseph Porter Thomas and was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas with her younger sister Michaele. She graduated from Baylor University in 1958 with a degree in history and education. Upon graduation, Elaine began her lifelong devotion to education, teaching fourth graders in South Texas. Ever the explorer, Elaine spent her summers traveling the world. She loved her summer tour through Europe led by her favorite Baylor history professor as well as the summer she spent in Hawaii taking graduate classes at the University of Hawaii.

In 1961, Elaine embarked on another wonderful adventure when she caught the eye of a young, handsome, petroleum engineer who had just joined the Single Adult Sunday School class at the First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi. Romance ensued and the couple married on November 25, 1961. They were blessed with two children, Scott and Julie in 1964 and 1966. The oil business kept the young family on the move every few years throughout Texas and eventually to Denver, Colorado, where they resided 23 years. Elaine deftly handled each relocation seamlessly with the skill of a professional organizer. She lovingly made each new house a home, helped the children acclimate to their new schools, and involved the family in each new church community. Elaine cherished her many years teaching children's Sunday school, participating in Bible Study Fellowship, working in the Cherry Creek High School Library, and spending time with friends.

In 1999, Elaine and Bob retired and moved to College Station, Texas. During this time, they were blessed with five grandchildren who enriched their retirement years greatly. Elaine sewed precious clothes and costumes for the grandchildren and always had fun and creative activities planned for them. She shared her faith in Christ with her grandchildren in both words and deeds. As a children's Sunday school director at First Baptist Church of Bryan, for eighteen years, she touched many children's lives with her masterful teaching skills. Elaine and Bob enjoyed exploring the world with the Traveling Aggies on the Band of Brothers European trip and Africa Adventure as well as several other trips to Asia, Italy, Alaska, and more.

Elaine is survived by Robert Preston (Bob) Vernon, her loving husband of 59 years; her son, Scott (wife Tanya) of College Station, Texas; daughter, Julie (husband Todd) of Atlanta, GA; and five treasured grandchildren, Kylie, Nathan, William, Meredith, and Jacob - all loved and adored!

Elaine's life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 2nd at First Baptist Church of Bryan, 3100 Cambridge Drive, Bryan, Texas, 77802.

Elaine valued the International Mission Board and supported it in many ways. Donations in her memory may be made to continue God's work throughout the world.