Vernell Galloway, 92, residing in Orange Park, Florida, on July 25, 2024, has passed on to be with her Lord and with loving family members who predeceased her. She was born October 12, 1931, in Bacon County, Georgia, as the daughter of Mitchell Melton and Rebecca Boatright. Vernell and her eleven brothers and sisters grew up in a hard-working farming family. She aspired to be a teacher, and after high school graduation went to Georgia Teacher’s College where she excelled and graduated with honors. Vernell began her teaching career in Green Cove Springs. She married Stokes Monroe “Sam” Galloway – a Navy man and began a love affair that lasted over 50 years until his passing. Vernell eventually left teaching to pursue her life’s work of raising her children, building a home and supporting her husband. She travelled across the US, living in among other places, Birmingham, AL, Charleston, SC, San Diego, CA, Phoenix, AZ, Sierra Vista, AZ, Temple, TX and Jacksonville, FL. Vernell is survived by son, Glenn Monroe Galloway (Heather) of Carson City, Nevada, daughter, Jeanne Marie Galloway (Vicki Ostrom) of Seattle, Washington, and grandson, Scott Monroe Neill Galloway (Ashley). Her surviving siblings include James “Foster” (Anna Mae), Glenn (Kitty), Quincy (Betty), and Gary Boatright. Her surviving sister-in-law is Virginia Boatright (Floyd). She has many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Vernell is preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell and Rebecca, her husband, Sam, her sisters Naomi Smith, Martha Boatright, and Eva Mae McCullough; and her brothers Art, Mitchell “Junior”, and Floyd Boatright.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 11:00 am at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Chapel located at 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 am. Pastor Tracy Tucker to officiate.
Flowers in memorial can be sent for the funeral Seasons Florist with the link provided or a donation to the Jacksonville Arboretum can be made in Vernell’s honor.
Vernell loved to laugh, to support her family, and to “go places”. We know she is on her next great adventure surrounded by light and love.
