Vernard Alvin Stancil

• Born: June 9, 1913 Johnston, NC
• Died: Dec. 6, 1991 Clinton, Sampson, NC
• Buried: Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, Duplin, NC
• Married: Married Magdalene Suggs on Nov. 15, 1936

Vernard was born June 9, 1913, and died Dec. 6, 1991. He married Magdalene Suggs on Nov. 15, 1936.
Vernard's children with Magdalene Suggs Stancil
Barbara Ann Stancil West
Judith "Judy" Magdalene Stancil Phillips

Vernard Alvin Stancil had dark hair and learned to swim with the others at the swimming hole. First cousins Emmette and Clyde knew how to swim and swam about demonstrating their skill. The others watched and soon learned. Those watching included Vernard, Carl and Ralph.

Vernard was young when he went with Alvin, his uncles and cousins as they dug a new grave in the Stancil Family Cemetery in the Glendale Community. As they were digging, they hit a casket in an unmarked grave. Ralph overheard Vernard say, "Better not bury them too close, they'll be kissing each other."

Vernard grew up working on the farm. He was a good tobacco hand and knew how to plant, grow, harvest, cure, grade, tie and sell. Vernard learned how to handle horses and mules from his pa.

Hunting was popular in the neighborhood. It was a social event. Most used dogs, but Vernard preferred to hunt dove without a dog.

Vernard was very smart and one of the few in the neighborhood who graduated from Glendale High School.

Vernard learned how to drive at an early age. His pa had a variety of cars over the years, including a Ford, Chevrolet, Whippet and Chambliss. The best car was a new Ford, purchased in 1931. Vernard and Ralph drove it to Buckhorn to visit Texie Hinnant and Ora Watson. Vernard didn't care that much about Texie and the relationship soon ended. Now Ralph did not have a free ride to visit his girlfriend Ora.

In 1934, Vernard used Alvin's car to drive his cousin Ralph and his fiancee Ethel around to visit relatives. Ralph and Ethel had courted by letter and agreed to meet in North Carolina and attended the Stancil Reunion together. Ralph had worked in California for several years. Ethel's home was in Ocala, Florida. Her parents drove her up. After the visit, Ralph rode the Greyhound Bus back home to California where he was foreman of the Rodeo Valley Ranch near Dos Rios.

Vernard farmed for his pa and Emmette. He was an excellent farmer but didn't enjoy it. Vernard and his pa had a very close relationship.

Vernard worked in a grocery store owned by Robert Renfrow's brother for a while. Robert Renfrow married his cousin Effie Stancil, his Uncle George's daughter. Later Vernard worked in the Wilmington Shipyards.

Vernard met Magdalene Suggs while she was attending East Carolina University. Magdalene's roommate was Liz Boykins. Liz brought her home for a visit and introduced her to Vernard. They became a steady twosome.

Vernard attended Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, North Carolina. He studied business but then got married and then got a job.

Vernard and Magdalene married at the home of George and Alice Morris in Wilson on November 15, 1936.

They had two daughters Barbara Ann Stancil born July 26, 1938, and Judith Magdalene born June 28, 1940. They were both born in Wilson.

Vernard had an insurance business in Warsaw and owned an appliance store. Vernard enjoyed fishing and visiting family.

Magdalene taught first grade for 18 years. She was a supervisor for the Duplin County Schools and responsible for setting up all the county kindergartens. This included writing grants, training teachers, and buying supplies. Magdalene's dream was that "every child should be able to go to kindergarten."

Vernard and Magdalene were active members of the Warsaw Presbyterian Church.

Family reunions were important to Vernard. He felt a real connection to all those who were kin. Barbara recalls going to a reunion at Uncle George's house and being scared of the well and staying far away from it.

Another time at the reunion Barbara and Uncle Harvey were sitting on the porch with Hilda Mae, George's daughter, speaking to Harvey accusingly, "You haven't spoken to me Uncle Harvey when I come at you I'll be coming in sections.

Hilda sashayed across the front porch on her way to give Uncle Harvey a hug.

Vernard often said how much he loved his girls at the dinner table remarked, "I like it like this, with all my girls," as he adoringly looked at Magdalene, Barbara and Judy.

Vernard and Magdalene bought a house at Old Settler's Beach on the sound side. The family spent carefree days here. Vernard loved fishing in the surf or off the pier. He never cared for deep sea fishing as he was prone to seasickness.

Vernard always enjoyed desserts. To him, a meal wasn't complete until dessert was served.

Vernard enjoyed working and growing plants in his yard. This was his farming background coming through. It seems it was inborn.

One day while Vernard and Magdalene were at the beach, he suffered a stroke. Fortunately, he recovered almost completely. Vernard had a loving supportive family.

Vernard's health began declining in 1988. Magdalene and Vernard cherished the years they had left together. He suffered a stroke and was not able to recover. Vernard spent his last six months in Nursing Care of Mount Olive. Barbara and Judy made their parents a priority and one of them was with Magdalene and Vernard every step of the way for the final years of Vernard's life.

Vernard Alvin Stancil died at 78 on December 6, 1991. He is buried in Devotional Gardens in Warsaw.

Magdalene went to live with Barbara's daughter Patti and her family for several years after Vernard's death. She enjoyed time spent with her grandson and granddaughter. Over the years, Westly and Magdalene developed a special bond.

After several years in North Carolina, Magdalene was invited to move south to Miami. She was ready for warmer weather. Barbara made several trips yearly to visit and made calls to her mom daily.

Magdalene was able to return to her home for a visit. She was able to attend her church's homecoming and see many close friends.

In 2006, Magdalene made a special trip from Miami to be at Westly's high school graduation.

Magdalene died on Oct. 13, 2006, in Miami, Florida. She is buried in the soft teal dress she wore to the wedding of grandson Davis West on Nov. 2, 2002. Her funeral was in the Warsaw Presbyterian Church. She is buried in the Devotional Gardens beside her beloved Vernard.

Magdalene was a member of Alpha Eta Chapter-Delta Kappa Gamma Society, a professional honor society of professional educators established in 1929.