Vernie Lee “Barnhill” Gehman

September 1, 2021

Vernie Lee “Barnhill” Gehman, 83, of Atmore, Ala., went home to be with Jesus early in the morning on Aug. 27, 2021 in the comfort of her home and surrounded by family. Vernie was born on July 11, 1938 in Atmore and was the daughter of Petro Rosasco “P.R.” Barnhill and Ruby Lee McGhee Barnhill. She follows three of her siblings to Glory – James Edward Barnhill, Atmore; Roy Lee Barnhill of Daphne, Ala.; and Wilma Lee Barnhill of Atmore.

She is survived by her siblings Carl Raymond Barnhill, Atmore; Dillard Wayne Barnhill, Atmore; and Kenny Ray Barnhill, Phillipsville, Ala.

Vernie was the loving wife and partner in the Gospel mission of Martin E. Gehman for 65 years; they married on her 18th birthday in 1956. She was the devoted mother of the late Randy “Dale” (Darlene) Gehman, Akron, Pa.; Martin Gerald “Jerry” (Faith) Gehman, Atmore; David Wayne (Shyrell) Gehman, Atmore; Joe Lynn (Rhonda) Gehman, Pelham, Ala.; and Martha Elaine Gehman (Todd) Gookin, Atmore.

Vernie was a cherished Grandmother to 16 grandchildren and the greatest of Great Grandmothers to 17 great grandchildren, whom she kept daily in her prayers and in her love. In her lifetime, Vernie had many titles and occupations. She worked at the local cucumber shed in Atmore. At an early age she joined hundreds of local women working at Vanity Fair Textile Industry. She then became a full time mom and assistant manager of Marty’s Cabinet Shop and Furniture Company. In 1981 she became a general partner of Alabama Native American Broadcasting Company, including radio stations WASG and WYDH. She served as a receptionist and secretary. Vernie was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and served as a receptionist for the PCI Health Department. More recently Vernie was involved in the operation of WGYJ-LP in Atmore, where she joined her husband as co-host to produce Mom ’n Pop’s Suppertime Gospel which is broadcast every day on WGYJ-LP.

Vernie dedicated her life to serving the Lord alongside her husband at Gospel Light Church in Atmore. Throughout her Tribe and the nearby communities, Vernie ministered to, prayed for, served and led people to Christ. Vernie was endlessly kind, warm and caring. She never met a stranger and was a dear friend to many. Vernie faithfully ran her race and has met her Lord and Savior in Heaven. If she were here today, she would encourage everyone to be prepared to meet her in Heaven, just as her mother Ruby did.

A viewing will be held on Friday, Sep. 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Gospel Light Church located at 337 N. Trammell Street, Atmore, Ala. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sep. 4, at Gospel Light Church with Bro. Clarence Rolin and Bro. Troy Shaffer officiating. Interment will follow in a public ceremony at Serenity Gardens Cemetery located on Highway 31, East of Atmore near the municipal airport.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries