Vernice Marie

Clifton

Vernice “Marie” Clifton, 90, formerly of South Whitley, passed away at 7:14 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester.

Born on March 10, 1936, in White Pine, Tennessee, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Flora (Mattox) Coleman. Growing up in White Pine, she completed grade school, and then the family moved to Summitville, Indiana, where she attended Summitville High School.

On March 24, 1954, she married Homer Lee Clifton. They made their home in Summitville, raising two children. In 2000, the couple moved to South Whitley. Homer died on August 29, 2004.

Marie enjoyed growing flowers to adorn her home. She shared a special bond with her grandchildren, who collected pretty rocks for her. She kept the rocks individually bagged and labeled with each grandchild’s name. She also enjoyed fishing and singing, often singing a song for friends and acquaintances. At Peabody, she was known as Mrs. Princess for looking after residents who needed assistance and was a regular at the weekly BINGO game. A strong woman of faith, she participated in Bible study and attended every Sunday Church service at Peabody.

Marie is survived by her children, Karen Clifton of Greenwood and Jeffery (Susan) Clifton of South Whitley; grandchildren, Dusty (Breanna) Clifton and Britney (Ryan) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Clifton, Kennedy Johnson, and Henley Johnson; a sister, June Yeagy of Summitville, and a brother, Douglas (Connie) Coleman of Anderson.

Additionally, she was also preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Sweaden, and brothers, Luther and Carl Coleman.

Visitation is from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday (November 17th) at Smith & Son’s Funeral Home in Columbia City. A graveside service will follow at the Vinson Cemetery in Summitville at 2 p.m.

Memorials in Marie’s honor are to the Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester, Indiana.