Verniece Malone of Rockford, Illinois departed this world to be with the Lord on April 14, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Verniece, or "Aunt Bernie" as she was fondly referred to by many family members, was born in Decatur, IL to Charles and Leanna Green (Garrison) on August 6, 1927.

Verniece married Thomas C Malone (Tommy) in Rockford, Il on December 10, 1947. After spending several years in California, the couple returned to Rockford to begin a family. Together they raised two sons, Bruce and Darrell.
Verniece worked in several professions throughout her long life that included serving as an Assistant Librarian at William Dennis Elementary and a receptionist at WREX. However, her passion was children. As an entrepreneur, Verniece operated an in-home nursery for many years prior to retirement. She thrived on caring and nurturing children of friends and family. She was a long-time member of Bethel Baptist Church where she served on the Nursing Guild and in the Senior Choir.

"Aunt Bernie" loved her family without limits and especially enjoyed traveling to family reunions and numerous vacations with family and friends. Vernice leaves many to cherish her memories including brother Charles Green (Nancy), sons Darrell Malone (Sheila) and Bruce Malone (Vera), granddaughters Kerri Malone (Christian) and Kayla Malone and a host of other family and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Thomas C Malone (Tommy); parents Charles and Leanna Green, brothers Clarence Green, Richard Green, sisters Genola Taylor, Frances Waterford, and Norma Whitby.

Services will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Bethel Baptist Church, 724 Harrison Ave in Rockford, Il. Pastor Kerry L. Newborn officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until time of the service at 12 p.m. Burial will be held at Cedar Bluff.