Mrs. Vernice E. Duford, 87, passed away Thursday at the Samaritan Medical Center, where she had been a patient a short time.
Vernice was born February 2th, 1931, in Watertown, the daughter of Harold and Marguerite Brown Rivers. She graduated from Clayton High School.
On September 26th, 1949, she married Norbert Duford at St. Mary’s Church with Father George Racette officiating. Mr. Duford died June 20th, 2003, at age 80.
She worked for a time at Graphic Controls, and for a short time for the Thousand Islands Sun.
Vernice and her husband owned and operated the Lilliput Doll Company, where they made porcelain dolls that won numerous international awards.
She enjoyed antiques and artwork.
Surviving are two children, Ron (Lynnette) of Clayton, and Raine (Ronald) Montante of Rochester; seven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; one brother Jim of Chaumont; four sisters, Terri Burns of Clayton, Anne Patterson of Albany, Bessie (Leo) Bennette, and Francis Bennette, both of Watertown; nieces and nephews.
One grandson, Jeff Schafer, five brothers, Robert, Bill, Harold, John, Thomas, three sisters, Marilyn Russell, Pattie Rivers, and Ruth Dunbar, all died before her.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 7:30pm, on Wednesday, August 15th, at the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton. A Burial will be held at the family’s convenience at the old St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Donations can be made in her name to the Jefferson County S.P.C.A., 25056 Water St, Watertown, NY 13601
Renee Reff Miranda
I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Martha Millett
I am truly sorry for the loss of your Mom, sister and friend. I have many fond memories of this lovely lady.
Poppy Lane
I am so sorry about Vernice’s passing. We will miss her here on the 5th floor at Samartian Keep Home. Rest in Paradise Vevnice. Poppy.
Eunice S. Murray
Raine, Ron & family,
We want to express our sincere sympathy on the passing of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Eunie Murray and Donnie Delaney
Janet Ferguson
Raine, Ron, and family, So sorry to hear of Vernice’s passing. She was such a sweet lady. I’m so glad I had a chance to visit with her recently at SKH, when I was there to see my Mom. She was so sweet and showed my grandson and me her beautiful “ breathing” doll.