Verna Marie Dunbar

Verna Dunbar, affectionately known as “Jap,” was born on October 23, 1962, in
Sebring, Florida, to the late Margie V. Dunbar and Alfred Dunbar Sr. From an early age, Verna
was known for her vibrant spirit and compassionate heart. She was a proud graduate of
Sebring High School, Class of 1981, where she was a talented track and field athlete
for the Sebring Blue Streaks.
A woman of deep faith, Verna grew up attending the Church of God in Christ and
remained committed to serving others throughout her life. One of the founding members of
Trinity Church Sebring, Verna faithfully served over 20 years in various capacities such as
usher, praise team member, and on the church finance team. Her pastor proclaimed “Sis.
Verna kept the church spotlessssss and I will miss her dearly!” Verna had a special gift for
caring, always ready to offer a helping hand, a warm smile, or a listening ear. Jap’s kindness
and willingness to go the extra mile left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Verna was a beloved and dedicated employee at Archbold Biological Station for 35
years, known for her quiet strength, warmth, and unwavering reliability. She preferred working
behind the scenes, often found folding laundry or preparing meals, yet she touched countless
lives through her kind presence and thoughtful gestures. Verna had an insightful presence of
those around her, always offering support during difficult times and creating a sense of home
for staff and interns alike. Her cooking, particularly her deviled eggs and vegetarian lasagna,
became legendary, and Verna remained deeply involved in Archbold life even through
transitions and personal losses.
Verna was preceded in death by her loving parents, Alfred Sr. and Margie Dunbar, as
well as her siblings Lorraine Haynes and Vincent Dunbar Sr.
Verna leaves behind with treasured memories her beloved children: Craig “Pooh Bear”
Mathis Jr. (Nikki), Charles “Boogaloo” Ishmael Jr., William “Pokey” Brown Jr.; and nine adored
grandchildren: Craig III, Jayden, Armon, Paris, Jahkobe, Khison, King, Ziere, and Zaria.
Those who will forever hold her in their hearts include her siblings: Ray Walker, Robert
Walker (Jackie), Alfred Dunbar III, and Meredith “Candy” Dunbar; her dear uncle, James
Dunbar (Willie Mae); her best friends: Elesia Smith and Jenili Elaine Walker and a host of
loving nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, and friends who were profoundly impacted by

her presence. The legacy Verna leaves behind is a life filled with love, faith, and compassion,
which will remain in the hearts of those she touched.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
Sebring, Florida
Online condolences may be left at
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com