A funeral service, conducted by the Rev Sharon Walker, was held at the Mission Church, Street, on Monday, August 23, for Betty Vernoum.

Interment followed at Street Cemetery.

Betty was born on October 7, 1927, in Bristol, the only child of Arthur and Agnes Willis. She was born in Bristol as she was a very small baby and not expected to survive. After leaving school Betty worked for Clarks. She met her husband Lou when he was on leave from the army and they married at the Street Parish Church in March 1949. Two sons were born and they have six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Betty loved her flowers. She belonged to local flower groups and would be asked to judge in local shows. Her interest in the arts included painting ceramics. Betty was very proud to be one of the oldest original West Enders.

Family mourners were: Barrie and Heather Vernoum (son and daughter-in-law); Terry and Judith Vernoum (son and daughter-in-law; Nick and Georgina Vernoum (grandson and wife); Dave Vernoum and Laura Hyde (grandson and partner); Josie Richards (granddaughter) rep Danny Richards and Elsie Richards; Carlie Vernoum and Matthew Oberholzer (granddaughter and partner); Lucie Njie (granddaughter) rep Sheikh Njie and Sofia Njie; Amie Vernoum and Nicholas Locock (granddaughter and partner); Robert Vernoum rep Marjorie and family.

Others mourners were: Mr Chris Willcox rep Mr and Mrs G Bown and Sarah Balm; John Willcox rep Jane Willcox; Mrs Margaret Burge; Mrs Iris Talbot; Mr R Shepherd rep Sue Shepherd; Mr K Barker rep Daniel and Emma; Mr and Mrs D Barker; Mrs L Hughes rep Warren Hughes; Mr and Mrs T Higgins; Sally Norton rep Stewart; Ruth Hatcher rep Len; Jane Jenkins; Ken and Stella Mills rep Mrs Sarah Switzer and Jane Dykes; Julie Mills; Andrew Mills rep family; Jeanette and Tony Carter; Bill and Molly Gooden rep Michael and Bridget; Mrs Rita Hardy rep Eileen, Eric and family; Robert Hardy rep family; Dr J Merrick, G Sharp, K Dunthorn rep Mrs D Dunthorn, rep the chrysanthemum and dahlia Society; Max Churches rep Churches family; Mrs Pauline Ball rep Stephen and Kevin; Clive and Mary Ball; Hazel Sturgess rep Keith; Mr and Mrs John Walton rep Lisa Brown and family and Stephen Walton and family; Andrew Mills; Kit Coles; Alan Taylor rep Jackie; Mrs Lund; Greta Wall; Gordon and Dorothy West rep Johanna and Tom and Scarlett; Arnold Sardill rep Joyce; Sandra Mills rep Mike Shepherd; Wendy Cavill; Marline Crother rep Candlelight.

The funeral arrangements were carried out and this obituary was provided by G Holland and Son, Vestry Road, Street.