Verlena Raye Dillon, 81, of Rolla, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on May 21st,2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a faithful servant of God.

Verlena was born to Leverett Harley Poe and Juanita Blessing (Adkins) Poe February 11th, 1944.  She grew up in a loving home alongside her brothers, Gordon and Gary Poe. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers; her sister-in-law, Delores Poe; and her nephew, Timothy Poe.

Verlena and Wayne Dillon's love story began on roller skates, leading to a beautiful marriage on May 15, 1971. They celebrated 54 amazing years together, building a family with two children, Derrick Dillon (wife Melissa) and Desiree Booth (husband Emmit). Verlena was deeply proud of her family and found great joy in her role as "MeMe" to her cherished grandchildren: Zach Dillon (wife Ashley), Tyler Dillon, Michael DeBlasi, Samantha Roshan (husband Nick), Alexander DeBlasi, Noah Maddox, Ebonie Snead, Fayth Booth and Sadie Dillon. She was also blessed with several beloved great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy in her later years.

Verlena faced a lifelong illness with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and quiet courage. She never complained, never wavered, and never let her condition define her. Instead, she continued to pour love into her family and faith into her community, serving as a powerful example of grace in adversity. Her perseverance and gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

Verlena was a longtime and faithful member of Salem Avenue Baptist Church in Rolla, where she was actively involved in church life and community service. Her deep Christian faith guided every aspect of her life, and she lived out her beliefs through kindness, humility, and a willingness to help others. Verlena's quiet strength, gentle spirit, and loving heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and prayerful friend who always had a warm hug and a listening ear. Her legacy of faith, family, and love will continue to shine through the lives of those she leaves behind.

A celebration of Verlena's life will be held on  Saturday, May 24th, 2025 at Greentree Christian Church in Rolla, MO. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a service, conducted by Justin Cook, to follow. Verlena will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral service at Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens in Rolla, MO.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23