Verna Elizabeth Dunkin, a pastor’s wife, died July 17. She was 100, having lived a life marked by love for her family, her students, and her Lord.
Born in Carlisle, Ontario, Canada, Verna spent her early years in Ontario, where she graduated from the Hamilton Normal School for Teachers. She began her career teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Canada before moving to Maine, where she lived for 13 years. Over the course of her life, she also resided in New York and Pennsylvania before finally settling in Ohio, where she lived for more than 50 years.
Verna continued her calling to teach, spending several years at Elyria (Ohio) Christian Academy, where she shared her love for learning and the Lord with generations of students. She was also a devoted pastor’s wife to her husband, David C. Dunkin, faithfully serving alongside him in over 18 churches throughout their ministry together. Their pastoral journey concluded at Calvary Baptist Church in Oberlin, Ohio, and Abbe Road Baptist Church in Elyria, Ohio.
A woman of deep faith and gentle wisdom, Verna loved teaching others about Christ. She was passionate about her family and enjoyed traveling with them, especially to national parks, where she marveled at God’s creation.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 73 years, David C. Dunkin, in 2019, and her daughter N. Elisabeth “Ibbie” DeJong in 2023.
She is survived by her children Mary Lou Hoffman, David C. Dunkin, and Jonathan R. Dunkin; nine grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
