Verna Evelyn Carter was born on May 20, 1934, to Emma Woodruff and Arthur Carter in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Verna obtained her education in the Indianapolis Public School system, graduating from Crispus Attucks High School in 1952. While in school, Verna was active in music, from playing instruments to what she was best known for: being a contralto vocalist.

Verna accepted Christ as her Savior early as a young child. She worked as a federal employee at Fort Benjamin Harrison. It was there she met and later married William Cox, with whom she welcomed their daughter, Debra Cox into the world, who was born in 1958.

Eventually she moved with her husband to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, continuing her work as a federal government employee, employed as examining Head Start program applications of day care centers along the east coast. She started that work in 1972, and joined Mt. Pisgah AME Church, then under the leadership of Rev. James L. Dandridge.

Her education included receiving a certificate from her studies from 1996-2001 at the Evangelical Training Institute for church ministry preparation, the Foundational Church Ministries certificate, and obtained an Early Childhood associate degree from Philadelphia Community College, being recognized by Phi Theta Kappa Scholastic Honor Society.

Down through the years, Verna continued to present herself to the world through her gift of singing. Her vocal range had many often comparing her to renowned vocalist Marian Anderson. Verna sang in choirs at Mt. Pisgah AME Church (Chancel Choir and Attribute Ensemble), as well as with the Ebenezer Seventh Day Adventist Church, singing in the tenor section and being lead vocalist of hymns, negro spirituals and other choir music. In 1978 she was in concert for the Stewardess Board with her sister, the late Ella Poindexter, also an accomplished soprano vocalist.

Usually, whenever you saw Verna, you also saw Ella. They shared a close sisterhood bond and were always there for each other. Many say that when Ella passed away in 2010, a piece of Verna died too.

While a member at Mt. Pisgah, Verna taught Sunday School, was a member of the Trustee Board, was key speaker of Women's Day as well as being its chairperson, and a member of the Stewardess Board. She received a plaque from that board in appreciation of her leadership efforts in 1984.

In 1991, Verna retired from the federal government after many years of employment and enjoyed retirement and her love of singing for many years. Because of her love of basketball, she attended many of her grandson Stephen's high school basketball games, and his teammates loved her for her loud encouragement from the bleachers.

Verna Evelyn Cox gained her heavenly wings on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 3am. She leaves behind her daughter Debra, grandson Stephen, great-grandsons Elijah and Josiah, along with a host of loving family and friends. Now she is singing to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Family