God, in His love and infinite wisdom, called Vernice J. Agurs Murphy of Newtown to live eternally with Him in Heaven. She departed this life on September 10, 2025.

Vernice was born on May 18, 1934, to Mattie B. Jackson and Thomas Jackson in Washington, D.C. She was the youngest of four children.

Vernice attended Northern Virginia Community College and was employed by Goddard Space Flight Center for several years. Later, she worked for Washington Gas Company and consistently dedicated her life to supporting others.

While she and her husband were raising their children, the family took camping trips every summer with a StarCraft pop up trailer, visiting cities along the east coast and Canada. Their family members included nieces, nephews, neighbors, as well as several dogs and cats.

Vernice’s hobbies included growing vegetables and herbs in her garden, cooking for her family, reading novels, and practicing photography. While she often visited local parks to try and capture the glorious splendor of nature through the lens of her camera, her ultimate joy was supporting the journey of others as they pursued their God given talents.

She was preceded in death by her son, Charles A. Agurs, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Dorothy Morgan; her son, Milton L. Agurs; her daughter Tanya Agurs Collins and her husband William Collins; her daughter Charlene Agurs Bailey and her husband David Bailey; and her grandchildren Charles A. Agurs III, Dorean Collins, Rachel Bailey, Derrick Collins, Allison Bailey, and Bhrittaney Kearse; and great grandson Langston Kearse, as well as extended relatives and friends.

Vernice had a deep love for Christ and a compassionate heart. Her warmth and kindness will always be remembered.

A Memorial Service will be held at Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook, on Friday September 26, at 11 am.

Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, is serving Vernice's family.