Evangelist Verna Mae (Arnold) Worsley

Evangelist Verna Mae Arnold Worsley, 76, of Princeville, NC, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

The Life & Legacy of Evangelist Verna

Verna Mae Arnold Worsley was born on January 14, 1948, to the late Benjamin Arnold Sr. and Margaret White Arnold in Edgecombe County, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Felicia Worsley; one sister, Christine Arnold Allen; and one brother, Willie White (Arnold)Sr.

God, faith, family, and education were at the center of Verna’s life. Verna was baptized at Weeping Mary Baptist Church and received Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age. As the daughter of sharecroppers, she developed resilience and perseverance. She loved her upbringing and talked about the fun times that she shared with her siblings, nieces, and nephews while living together on the Harvey Edmondson Farm on Roberson School Road. Verna was educated in the Edgecombe County School System and was a proud graduate of Conetoe High School class of 1967. She was honored to receive the accomplishment of Salutatorian at graduation.

She graduated from Elizabeth City State University with a Batchelor of Science Degree in Biology. It was there that she was inducted into the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Verna had a passion for teaching that she utilized wholeheartedly as an educator for migrant children. Verna was also a gifted seamstress who operated Worsley’s Designs for many years. Even as a wedding coordinator she would put many of her various skills to use as she assisted family members and others in making their day memorable. She enjoyed interior designing and making all things beautiful as was evidenced in her work as a Home Interior Consultant.

Most mornings, Verna could be found outside in her yard or “place of peace” as she would say gardening, working on her flowers, feeding her cats, and praying to God. Verna was an excellent, loving, supportive, and kindhearted Mother to her children as she was active in their lives on a daily basis. She was present both emotionally and physically. Verna had a pure heart and she loved beyond conditions.

A special part of Verna’s life was teaching the Bible to the youth and directing the youth choir at The Glorious Tabernacle of Faith Church where she was an ordained Minister. At the Lord’s direction, Verna started a Bible-Based scholarship at the church. She volunteered at The Tarboro Community Outreach Center and The MJ Allen Adult Day Care Center in Tarboro, NC. She also became a part of the Disciple Outreach Ministry where they taught Bible classes at the Mary Frances Center in Tarboro, NC.

She was an integral part of The Princeville Community Prayer Team of Princeville, NC. She cherished praying, studying, and fellowshipping with the members. Verna was an advocate for her community of Southern Terrace. Verna experienced great fulfillment as she received the call from God to be an Evangelist. Her goal was to ensure that all of her family received salvation. In her most recent prayer meeting, she praised God for saving her children and her family whom she loved very much.

Zest describes how Verna lived her life. In her eyes, every moment of life was a gift and she lived life fully and without regrets. She would always say, “ if the car is moving she was going to ride”. Verna’s legacy of faith and family will continue to live on in the lives of her family whom she loved dearly, the young people whose lives she impacted, and in her community where she embodied godly principles.

On July 29, 1973, she was united in holy matrimony to Benjamin Worsley. She is survived by: her husband, Rev. Benjamin Worsley of the home; a dear son, Maceo L. Worsley (Verdina) of Charlotte, NC; two loving daughters, Prophetess Crystal J. Worsley and Chaplain Rev. Ramona S. Worsley of the home; three beloved brothers, Benjamin Arnold Jr. (Valerie) of Winfield, IL, Robert Arnold Sr. (Sally) of Tarboro, NC, and James A. Arnold (Virginia) of Greenville, NC; two beloved sisters, Dorothy Battle of Tarboro, NC, and Sarah Charles of Philadelphia, PA; two grandchildren, Zuri A. Worsley and Maceo C. Worsley of Charlotte, NC; three godchildren,  Jonina Stith Wrenn, Elijah Sellers, and Myron Omari Williams (also her great-great nephew); the Sellers family whom she embraced with open arms; her dogs, Oreo and Belle; her cat, Prince; and a host of very special and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Heavenly Arms Family Mortuary & Cremation Services, 201 Water Street Tarboro, NC 27886

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