Vernita Francis Marriott

MARRIOTT — Vernita Francis (Brown), ; born Oct. 6, 1923, Clinton, Mo.; died Oct. 13, 2017, Myrtle Creek, Ore. Surviving: husband, Clyde; sons, Ron Marriott, Canyonville, Ore.; John Marriott, Mulino, Ore.; daughter, Linda (Marriott) Lauren, Snoqualmie, Wash.; 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. 

Vernita Francis Marriott

1923–2017

Vernita (Brown) Marriott was born Oct. 6, 1923, in Clinton, Mo., and passed away peacefully on Oct. 13, 2017, surrounded by her loving family at the Adams House Assisted Living Facility in Myrtle Creek, Ore.

The oldest of four, Vernita took care of her siblings while her parents worked. She met Clyde Marriott, the love of her life, shortly after her family moved to Sacramento, Calif., when she was 14. They married on Nov. 30, 1941. Pearl Harbor was attacked one week later, and Clyde was drafted into the Armed Forces. Their marriage survived a long-distance relationship while Clyde led an aircraft repair squadron in England during World War II.

After the war, they established businesses in Glendale, Calif., and later in Canyonville, Ore., running a service station, McCullough Chain Saw shop and the Dixie Dog Drive-In. Over the years, Vernita and Clyde dedicated their life to serving others through Maranatha Volunteers International. They quit counting after 85 mission trips.

Vernita and Clyde recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

Vernita is survived by her husband, Clyde; children, Ron Marriott of Canyonville, Ore.; Linda (Marriott) Lauren of Snoqualmie, Wash.; John Marriott of Mulino, Ore.; 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.