Verna Mae Powell Keene Toole

November 30, 1927 - May 18, 2020
Verna Mae Powell Keene Toole

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Our mother Verna Mae Powell Keene Toole, 92, of Wilmington, NC, passed gently into the arms of our loving Jesus on Monday, May 18, 2020, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center.

Verna Mae was born November 30, 1927, in Richlands NC, to the late Paul Powell Sr. and Lucinda Brinson Powell. She was preceded in death by her parents and all ten of her siblings, her husband’s James Toole and her children’s father Robert Keene, her firstborn Judy C. Johnson, and Grandson Gabriel F. Willetts.

She was a woman of God whose faith and love for family was beautiful. Those that knew her will always remember her passion for playing the piano, spending many summers at Topsail Beach with family and friends, and driving her friends around Wilmington to sing and play music at the Senior Center and Nursing Facilities. She was a true example of what it meant to be a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend.
She is survived by three daughters, Bobbie L. Keene of San Diego CA, Karen Joy Williams (Pete) and Katherine S. Willetts (Carl) of Wilmington, NC along with a special daughter Star Hernandez, Granddaughter Taylor S. Johnson, and Son in Law Richard K. Johnson of San Diego CA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Verna’s memory may be made online or by mail to, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Due to current restrictions in our country at this time a graveside service will be held at a later date for both our Mom and Dad.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • May 21, 2020
    Karen J Williams lit a candle:
    Lit since May 21, 2020 at 5:13:33 PM

  • May 22, 2020
    Roy Willetts says:
    Sue I’m very sorry to have heard of your mothers passing. She truly was a wonderful person who always knew everyone. There was always a friendly hi, how you been doing from her. Thank you for all the love and care you gave her she was very blessed to have you as her daughter. She really was an amazing person. God bless you sue and your entire family Anita and I are praying for you!

  • May 22, 2020
    John and Deb Reay says:
    Sue, I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved reading all your wonderful stories about your beautiful Mother and I know you will miss her so much. Love you

  • May 22, 2020
    John and Deb Reay says:
    Sue, I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved reading all the wonderful stories and seeing the pictures of your beautiful Mom. I know you will miss her. Love you

  • May 22, 2020
    Wanda Costin and family says:
    Thoughts and prayers with you all love you guys