Verna Jane Henson Harwell Barnes, age 88, of Chouteau, OK, formerly of Poteau, OK, passed away peacefully, with Joe and Jan by her side on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in Chouteau. Verna was born on January 29, 1931 in Howe, OK, to Lenard Bengeman Henson and Nora Mae (Stephens) Henson.
Verna grew up and attended school in Mansfield, AR. She was the oldest of four siblings. The Henson family owned a sawmill in Mansfield, which is still in operation under different ownership.
Verna married John Walker Harwell of Huntington, AR, on October 9, 1952 in Washington County, AR. Together they operated Harwell Lumber Company in Poteau, OK for 13 years. Afterward, Verna utilized her excellent sewing skills to become a supervisor at Hamlin Manufacturing in Poteau. She and John were married for 28 years until his death in 1981.
From her marriage to John, Verna is survived by daughter, Janice Harwell Mode and fiance’, Michael Pitts of Chouteau, son, Joe Harwell of Tulsa, six grandchildren, Jeff Mode and wife, Meygan of Poteau, Jennifer Clark of Fort Smith, AR, Joseph Harwell and wife, Amber, of Broken Arrow, Heather Speaks and husband, Jason of Inola, OK, Kimberly Hargrove, and husband Jesse of Glenpool, OK, Jason Harwell of Broken Arrow, OK, fourteen great grandchildren, Bethany and Gavin Mode of Bryant, AR, Jaci Seals and Blake Wagner, both of Poteau, Kiera, Zamiel, and Justice Clark of Fort Smith, Bridget, Chloe, and Landon Harwell of Broken Arrow, Jordyn Harwell of Stillwater, OK, Jarrad Speaks of Inola, Sable and Breandra Hall of Glenpool, a sister-in-law, Frankie Henson of Ft Smith, and many nieces and nephews.
In November, 1991, Verna married Arthur (Art) Lee Barnes, of Poteau in Taney County, MO. They were married for 6 years until his death in July, 1998. From her marriage to Art, she is survived by a step son, Roger Barnes of Wagoner, OK, a step daughter, Mary Storey and husband, Keith of Durant, OK and 4 step grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grand parents, siblings Dolly Dean Henson Repass and husband John, Bob A. Henson, and Billy Joe Henson and wife Ann, first husband John Walker Harwell, and second husband Arthur Lee Barnes and a daughter in law, Becky Craig Harwell.
Funeral services will be Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 11 am in the Chapel of McConnell Funeral Home, 137 North Main Street, Greenwood, AR 72936, with Rev. Ron Briscoe officiating.
Interment will be at Coop Prairie Cemetery in Mansfield. There will be no graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Verna to the American Heart Association.
Joe Harwell
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