Verna Vail Macbeth Hall

Verna Vail Weems Macbeth Hall

One of Sebring’s own passed on at the age of 92 on Saturday, February 3, 2018. Daughter of Dr. Howard V. Weems, founder of Sebring’s first hospital, and Vail Weems, who was once called Mrs. Methodism for the State of Florida, Verna was Sebring-born and an avid contributor to this community her entire life.  Something of a musical prodigy under the tutelage of P.J. “Prof” Gustat, Verna dabbled with almost all band instruments.  As an oboist and clarinet player from junior high forward, she accompanied the small Sebring band as it won state competitions, competing against the largest schools in the state.  Before graduating at age 16 from Sebring High School, she was Class President; member of the National Honor Society and Band Honor Society; played basketball; performed in school plays; was managing editor for the school annual; was voted “Best All Around Girl;” and delivered the Senior year salutatorian address. She attended Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, GA, and Smith College of Northampton, MA, earning a Masters of Education degree. She taught English to grades 5-9 in Charlotte, NC, before returning to Sebring to marry Joseph O. Macbeth, a US Army war veteran, who was completing his law degree at the University of Florida.  Verna and Joe raised five children in Sebring, avidly supporting and fund-raising for school plays, swimming, football, the high school band, Girl Scout and Boy Scout activities and school field trips.  Verna was an accomplished pianist and organist, and a prolific poet, authoring a book, Around the World in 80 Rhymes , as well as authoring hundreds of poems for and about her many friends, family and acquaintances. She captured the essence of others, reflecting for each person something special she saw in them.  A natural leader and supreme organizer, Verna rose to the highest leadership roles in every organization she joined: Junior Women’s Club - President and Outstanding Member; Sebring Women’s Club - President, District Director and State Chairman; Women’s Society of Christian Service - President; Girl Scouts of America - Council President serving on a State leadership level; Beautification Chairman of the Sebring Garden Club; Chairperson of Nan-Ces-O-Wee Pageants; plus active member of the Sebring Historical Society, Sebring Book Club, and more….  Verna was faithful to God, family, church and community. She gave generously of her time and talent, and inspired others to do the same.  Verna is preceded in death by her husband Joseph O. Macbeth and son David Lawrence (Larry) Macbeth; her brother Howard V Weems, Jr.; and more recently, her husband G. Merrill Hall. She is survived by sons (and their wives) Ross (and Bou) Macbeth, Scott (and Liz) Macbeth, Mark (and Lydia) Macbeth, and daughter Vail Macbeth; plus seven grandchildren Meredith Keiber, Elizabeth Lenihan, Andrew Macbeth, Lauren Sozen, Michelle Macbeth, Melanie Macbeth, and Lindsay Santos; and six  great-grandchildren, James, Elizabeth, Declan, Emma, Anna, and Amara. She is also survived by Merrill Hall’s children Sally Heydlauff, Susan Gaylor, Melvin Hall and Marilyn Wilder, and their extended families.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church of Sebring (126 S Pine St, Sebring, FL 33870) with visitation in the sanctuary from 12:30-2:00. A graveside service will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery.  Memorial recommendations include: Change of Pace, Adult Day Care Center in Highlands County, 4514 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872; The Manor at Lake Jackson, Assisted living facility, 2301 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring, FL 33870; VITAS Healthcare, Hospice in Highlands County, 106 Medical Center Ave Ste. 106, Sebring, FL 33870; Macbeth Scholarship Fund at South Florida State College, 600 W College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825.

Services entrusted to:

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home

4001 Sebring Parkway

Sebring, FL 33870

Online condolences may be left at:

www.stephensonnelsonfh.com