Verniece Southerland

Verniece R. Southerland, 84, died on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, in Payson after a short battle with cancer. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, at the Holbrook Cemetery.
   She was born April 21, 1923, in Central Arizona to Leslie and Mildred Kinnison. She graduated from Phoenix Union High School.
   Verniece served her country during World War II in the Marine Corps.
   She spent most of her working career in the banking industry in Holbrook.
   She and her family spent many summer vacations exploring the western United States, as well as sailing on the waters of the Sea of Cortez out of Kino Bay, Mexico.
   After her retirement, she moved to Tonto Basin, where she enjoyed the peace and tranquility of rural life. She loved the beauty of the neighboring mountain ranges, tending her flower gardens, and feeding the native birds and other wildlife.
   Survivors include her husband, William J. Southerland; her daughter, Deniece Stephens (Richard); one granddaughter, Melanie Stephens; and her siblings, Leslie Taylor of Holbrook, Nonda Fahy of Camp Verde, Gary Kinnison of Safford and Linda Coffin of North Carolina.
   She was preceded in death by her son, William Southerland Jr. (Billy); her parents, Leslie and Mildred Kinnison; her sister, Betty Jo Gillespie; and her brother, Loran Kinnison.
   Owens Mortuary is in charge of the local arrangements.