1938-2021
A Memorial Service for Verlane Zerby will be 2 p.m. Sunday, January 31, at Bethany Brethren in Christ Church, Thomas. Due to public health concerns, the family conducted graveside service at an earlier date.
Verlane was born to Dale and Dorcas (Wiseman) Shepherd August 13, 1938, in Stockton, California. Verlane passed to the peace of the Lord January 16, 2021, in her home of 49 years north of the Independence area west of Thomas.
Verlane moved to the Independence area with her parents in 1945 where she later attended Independence and Custer Schools. Verlane met the love of her life at 15 years of age and thereafter married John Zerby at the Independence Church September 1, 1957.
John and Verlane initially made their home in Oklahoma City and returned to the Independence area with their family in 1972 where they began their farming interests with the generous love and support of her parents.
Verlane was a devoted member of the Bethany Brethren in Church, Thomas, where she was involved early with the children’s ministry and was the church pianist for 46 years.
Verlane was a dedicated piano teacher to more than 1,500 students, some of multi-generational family members, for a period of 60 years. Verlane studied piano under the renowned Dr. Clarence Burg, former Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Oklahoma City University.
In 1969, Verlane received her diploma for completing the prescribed course of study in piano from the extension department of Sherwood Music School, in Chicago.
Verlane was proud of her accreditation with the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association which allowed her students throughout the years to participate in OMTA sponsored competitions throughout Oklahoma. Verlane directed OMTA District State Achievement Auditions for many years and was presented with the formal recognition as a 50-Year Member May 29, 2015.
Survivors include: her husband, John; her son, Terryl and his wife, Heidi, of Oklahoma City; her daughter, Ginger Waldrip and her husband, Mark, of Oklahoma City; and five grandchildren, Tyler Waldrip and his wife, Emily, Jackson Zerby, Meredith Zerby, Hunter Waldrip and his fiancé, Emma, and JT Zerby, all of Oklahoma City.
Verlane was preceded in death by her parents, her young sister Sheila Mae, and brothers Delee Shepherd and Galen Shepherd.