Verna Marie Lovern, 61, of Riner Virgina, went to her heavenly home on January 9, 2026 at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center. Verna was born on November 4, 1964 in Christiansburg, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon William Howell and Sylvia Belle Howell; and her brothers, Frankie Howell and Robert “Tinky” Howell which greeted her in Heaven with open arms to say welcome home.

Verna is survived by her husband of 27 years, Kenneth “Kenny” Lovern Jr but love of her life for 39 years; her daughter Emily Linkous and son-in-law Jared Linkous; nephew Jamie Covey, whom she raised as her son, and his wife Amanda Covey; brother Donald Howell and his wife Brenda Howell; brother Ralph Howell and girlfriend Johnia Worrell. She had many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews that she loved with all of her heart.

Verna loved the Lord and she was an avid church goer until her health took a turn in 2022. She loved spending quality time with her family and friends. Those that knew her best knew she loved going riding around with family on the weekends to sight see, playing bingo, yard-sailing, and gambling in her free time.

The family would like to say a very special thank you to Johnia Worrell for being Verna’s sole caregiver for the past 3 years. To Deana Doby, Verna’s favorite home health nurse who then felt as if she was family before Verna had to go on hospice. To Katie, Verna’s ER nurse at CNRVMC the night of her passing and to Montgomery County Fire-EMS. Lastly, a sincere appreciation to everyone that donated to help with funeral expenses.

The family will be having a private Celebration of Life at a later date.