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With the Lord

Donna Vermilyea, Pastor’s Wife

By July 6, 2017No Comments

TOLEDO, Ohio—Donna Vermilyea, former pastor’s wife, lovingly known as “Mrs. V,” died June 4. She was 90.

Donna Arleen Wylie was born Feb. 21, 1927. A day after graduating Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, New York, she became Mrs. Charles Vermilyea and served with her husband for 59 years, before his Homegoing in 2006.

The Vermilyeas served in pastoral ministry at churches in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio. “She was well beloved during the years she was our pastor’s wife in St. Louis [Michigan],” wrote Donna Powell. Gary and Carol Leonard, from the same church, were married by Pastor Vermilyea. “Our church loved Mrs. V all the years they served there on two different terms, years apart,” they wrote in an online guest book.

An excellent musician, Donna generously shared her musical gifts, remembers Donna Powell, who was “greatly blessed by her role in my life.” Donna shared her love of music with her children, who all studied piano and sang together under her direction.

Donna was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and an infant son.

She is survived by her children Timothy, Cathy Engwert, Joy Pherson, and Ellen Arrington; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.