Obituary
Funeral celebration will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 12 at the Faith Temple Milford Street New Smyrna Beach. Committal will follow at Glencoe Geiger Cemetery.
The family will receive friends for viewing on Friday from 4 to 6PM at the Solid Rock Church 718 Oleander Street New Smyrna Beach.
Minister Verna Lee Hives, Sr was born on March 11, 1952 in Mount Vernon, Alabama to Sam and Alice Hives. He attended elementary school and some junior high school until he moved to New Smyrna Beach Florida in 1963 where he went to old
Chisholm High School.
Mr Hives met the love of his life in 1977 Miss Percilla McFayden. They were united in marriage of January 28, 1978. Minister Hives and his wife would have been married 41 years had he lived. They had one child Mr Vernon Jay Hives.
He was a member of Solid Rock of Jesus Only Church 718 Oleander Street New Smyrna Beach FL where Elder Tobin Murphy was Pastor at that time. He continued to worship his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at Solid Rock where Elder Walter Hill, Jr is the pastor presently.
Those He Leaves With Us
Verna leaves to cherish his memory his wife Percilla McFayden Hives, his only child Vernon Jay Hives, Jr; his siblings Bertha Mae Hope New Smyrna Beach FL, Lillie Pearl Lott of Mount Vernon, AL, Elnora Hives Wright, New Smyrna Beach FL, Judy Kaye (Walter) Hill of Edgewater FL, Sophia Ann Brown of Athens GA, Eloise Hives of Edgewater FL, Lillie Ann Coolyer of Picayne MS, Jimmie Lee (Ervella) Hives of New Smyrna Beach FL, Elija Whit Hives of New Smyrna Beach FL, Ernest Lee Hives of Pichard AL, his mother-in-law Ms Ida Mae McFayden, four sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews cousins and friends
Verna Lee Hives – Notes of Love, Reflection, & Remembrance
3/11/1952 – 1/3/2019
Verna or “Fordy” pronounced “4-D” or “Foe-D” as he was affectionately referred to by many… Was a true peoples person and a social butterfly who was extremely generous to all he encountered. He often and consistently had kind words of encouragement, friendliness, and support for his family, friends, and strangers a like. He was a loving father, husband and a loyal friend to the many that he was so very fond of. He always desired and attempted to work extremely hard to support his family… Even under less than ideal circumstances, later in life.. Which were beyond his control… To the best of his abilities through both Illness and health. He taught the value of hard work and responsibility… Always remained optimistic about the future, only wanted success for his family, and for everyone he loved to prosper. He was truly a kind soul… Someone who honestly and openly cared about people, was genuinely concerned and took interest in others lives and well being.. Often above and beyond his own.
Mr. Hives indeed was a proud member of “Solid Rock of Jesus Only” Church, his original place of worship and where is heart always remained. He often enjoyed attending and visiting many other local churches… Which is where he made several fond new friends and acquaintances over the years. He was a highly spiritual man who achieved his calling and passion of becoming a Minister in the early 1990’s. He truly loved to worship, loved God, and all things of God. He also enjoyed fashion in his youthful and formal years and dressing nicely to attend church services. Among his favorite bible verses and prayers were “Psalm 23” and “Matthew 6:9” “The Lord’s Prayer.” As he often requested and lead the family prayers. One of his favorite quotes was “A family that prays together, stays together.”
He would often remark about his dream of joining the U.S. military as a youth and even though it wasn’t possible for him to serve, he always remained an avid supporter throughout the years. He was also a huge overall sports fan and passionate enthusiast who especially loved watching his favorite sport of football and participating as a youth. He often bragged about his teammates and took pride in his High School team… The Chisholm Wildcats. He truly loved the “Washington Redskins” and his home state “Alabama Crimson Tide” football team, which he was so proud of, took so much pride in their accomplishments and loved to wear their attire. Professional Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing, and Basketball were also among his favorite sports to follow, which he shared a passion for watching with and enjoying countless conversations about, throughout the years with his son.
Verna who often went by “Vernon” was also a devoted dog and animal lover. He enjoyed, cooking, fishing, the outdoors, traveling, bike riding, time at the library, meeting the mailman, visiting his family and friends locally.. In his native Alabama and Daytona Beach! He also was also very big into music, loved radio, singing, and especially playing the Guitar and his Harmonica. His all time favorite song was “I Don’t Know Why Jesus Loves Me” and his close second was “It Won’t Be Long” both by Andrae Crouch & The Disciples, who was his favorite artist…Which he often loved to sing at home and while he attended church services. He also loved classic cars and trucks. His favorite dream car was the 1966 Ford Mustang which he always wanted and intended to own as a classic or to restore.
He really enjoyed watching Christian programs, Cowboy Westerns and Holiday movies… As he loved celebrating the holidays, with family and friends. He loved classic family sitcoms as well. His four favorite T.V. shows ever were… The Andy Griffith Show, Sanford and Son, Leave It to Beaver, and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. … He loved dining out with his family and meeting friends for an occasional lunch as well. His favorite vegetables were corn, collard greens, fried okra, boiled peanuts and sweet potatoes. His favorite fruits were bananas, mangoes, grapes and strawberries. He also enjoyed eating spaghetti, pizza, wings, fresh fish, fried chicken, ice cream, cookies, banana pudding and hamburgers.
Verna Lee Hives, deeply and devotedly loved his mother and father. As well as his other loved ones who’ve unfortunately left us… He often reflected on how much he missed them and now finally he may rest eternally with them. He would have truly taken pride in knowing that others took the time to celebrate, learn more about his life, and interests. He was extremely prideful, passionate, dedicated, fiercely competitive, and strong. He was a true fighter until the end, sincerely loved his son, adored his wife and remembered to express his love and appreciation for them… Until his very last days! Thank you and much love to all who knew him, admired him and appreciated his presence in their own lives.
Forever Loved… Forever Cherished… & Forever Remembered as
A Husband, Father, Brother, Brother-in-law, Son-in-law, & special Friend! Rest in Peace to a true “Hall of Fame” person & personality. Let’s celebrate his life & remember his smile forever. “R.I.P. 4-D”
I am very sorry for your loss. A scripture that encouraged me very much when I have lost loved ones in death is Psalms 34:18. It says "Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit he saves."