Verna Birkey, age 94 of Willow Valley entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served, on November 29, 2022. Born in Fisher, Illinois on March 5, 1928, she was the daughter of loving parents, Joel and Mabel Birkey.
In her teenage years, Verna accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Verna’s passion has always been to serve the Lord with all her heart and fulfil His plan for her life. This passion led her to Goshen College for training in elementary education. After teaching several years, she went to Alabama to teach Bible in the public schools. Then on to Columbia International University, Columbia, SC for a Master’s degree in Bible and Missions. Declined for career service on the foreign field, she later became teacher, counselor and Dean of Girls at Ben Lippen High School in Asheville, NC a co-ed Christian boarding school.
One of Verna’s favorite verses for direction in ministry was Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” She continually depended on and took strength from the Lord of that promise.
In response to the Lord’s guidance through His Word, godly counsel and circumstances, Verna moved to Seattle, WA in 1969 to begin a ministry to women trusting her Lord to give strength, direction, and provision for the uncharted journey ahead. While making preparations for the first classes, doubts, fears, and even thoughts of giving up came to mind, but quickly the Lord in His faithfulness reminded her of the Bible verse, “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” (John 15:16)
Resting in that word of encouragement, Verna pressed forward and began teaching biblical seminars to women. Overwhelmed by the large number of women who came, Verna called on her dear friend, Jeanette Turnquist to come help. After much prayer, Jeanette, a dear friend who possessed the perfect giftings for this new ministry, chose to come help establish and direct the pioneering Enriched Living Workshops which lead to teaching seminars all over the States, Canada and in foreign countries. During the 34 years of ministry, Verna had the privilege of traveling to Japan, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, England, Northern Ireland, Isarel and Moldova to present seminars, sharing God’s saving and redeeming grace.
Being an editor, Jeanette was able to help Verna produce thirteen books, including “Women Connecting with Women” and “TRUST ME” Learning to Trust that God is Good and in Control Even When Life is Difficult.” This all through God’s calling, equipping and giving direction. All praise to Him!!
Verna’s testimony is expressed in the hymn, “Jesus Led Me All the Way!” and in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd.”
In traveling her journey, Verna says it was wonderful to have Psalm 23 giving courage, strength and sense of God’s presence. Using the main ideas of this Psalm, she has written a tribute to her faithful Shepherd.
My Tribute to the Lord (Psalm 23 modified)
The LORD was my faithful Shepherd; I did not lack any good thing. He made me to lie down in fresh green pastures; He led me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshed my soul-giving me new strength; He led me in the paths of righteousness not for my earning it, but for His name’s sake. Yes, even when I walked through deep, sunless valleys He walked at my side, causing me to know His presence close beside me all the way; His rod to protect and His staff to guide comforted me. He prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies; He anointed my drooping head with oil; My brimming cup of joy and satisfaction ran over. Indeed, his goodness and mercy followed me all the days of my life, I am now dwelling in the house of my LORD and Savior, forever safe in the loving arms of Jesus, my faithful Shepherd.
In 2003, Verna and Jeanette moved to Spring Run at Willow Valley Communities. Verna was a member at Grace Church at Willow Valley. She is survived by two sisters-in-law’s, her eleven nieces and nephews and their children. Her parents and siblings are now greeting her in Heaven.
Verna chose to not have a Celebration of Life here because she is experiencing a much greater celebration as she arrives in Heaven. Verna pleads, “Please come and go with me to eternal bliss with friends and Jesus rather than to that other place of eternal misery and loneliness. How to get there? Jesus said, “I am the way…no one comes to God but through Me” John 14:6.
Pam Johnston says
On behalf of the women in Northern Ireland we are so thankful for the life and ministry of Verna Birkey. Her Enriched Living workshops and her books touched many lives. We had the privilege of her hosting her for teaching conferences both in Belfast and Coleraine. Her ministry was biblical, practical and inspiring.
We send our deepest sympathy and are thankful that Verna is now with her Lord whom she loved and served so faithfully.
Phyllis says
I was one of the many ladies that benefited from Verna’s workshops in Lancaster County, PA. (aprox 1970’s/80’s) I remember on one specific occasion, I was on my way home from a workshop and my tire decided to leave the car. Thankfully the tire had rolled across the road in time to let a semi-truck safely go by. When the car lurched and came to a sudden stop, I remember saying over and over “God is the Blessed Controller of all things”.
Her beautifully written obit brought back memories of solid biblical teaching and I pulled out the workshop notebook (yes – I still have it) and plan to review some of the material. It’s been over 40 years and I’m curious how much of what she taught have I continued to put into practice.
Tanya H West says
Dear Family,
At great sacrifice financially I attended one of Verna’s seminars many, many years ago. Through her words I found both peace and direction for my life. It was so impactful that a few years later I paid for another seminar for a young friend I was mentoring. The young friend was so inspired by Verna that several years later she appeared at my door with intention of repaying every penny I had invested telling me that it was worth every penny I spent for her. I was well aware of my young friends 180 turnaround, and I never in my wildest dreams expected her to pay it back – so it was sent on as a donation to “pay it forward” long before I heard the expression regarding “pay it forward”. My young friend is deceased, and I know she died at peace holding onto the faith instilled in her by Verna Birkey.
Tanya Horn West
Kathleen Hall says
I first knew Miss Birkey as a student at Ben Lippen high school in Asheville, NC.
Many years later she came to our church for an Enriched Living seminar. Her seminar was full of Biblical, practical wisdom. I remember very specific truths she shared that I have been able to share with others.
I invited her to lunch so we could catch up. We had a delightful time reflecting on the past, sharing how God had been working in our lives and current needs and prayer requests. I cherish that time to this day.
Verna used her gifts of teaching to enrich the spiritual growth of many. I am grateful.
We grieve her passing, yet know she is now with the One she loved so much – her Heavenly Father.
Cathy says
What a testimony of a Godly woman. I never met or knew her but thirty years ago a friend gave me Verna’s book “You are very special.” I was in my 20’s and going through a hard time dealing with rejection and feeling unloved. But God used His Word through Verna’s book to heal my soul and help me have a God-centered self-esteem. I wrote the 13 main points “God has said x, therefore I may boldly say x.” on my mirror to look at every morning! Psalm 107: 20 “He sent His Word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions.” God gets the glory but I’m so thankful for her obedience to Him. I just happened to pull her book off my shelf today and decided to Google her name and found this obituary. Sad she is gone now but happy to have been influenced by her obedience to the Lord. I too find used copies of her book and share with others as I am led :).