Heaven became a little sweeter when Verda Maxine Young was welcomed into the arms of Jesus in the early morning hours of June 12 (2024). She was 97 years old.

The daughter of Sherman and Della (Drewry) Goats was born in Witts Springs, Arkansas on March 20, 1927.  She lived in Boone County most of her life and attended CrossRoads Community Church.

Verda had worked hard throughout her life. She had devoted several years to a yearbook company in California during the time she lived there and gained many lifelong friendships. She also worked for Cicero Bible Press and Walmart. During WWII, she held a "Rosie the Riveter" position for Boeing Aircraft, attaching rivets to airplane wings.

She loved music, especially piano music and was a musician herself, playing the guitar and piano.

The most important job Verda held was being the beloved matriarch of her family. She was compassionate, loving, and kind. She loved each of her children equally and absolutely adored her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, or as she called them "her babies".  She was a devoted wife to her husband, Tom, of 68 years; and together they created a legacy of love and family devotion that will be carried on for generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her oldest son, Maurice Edwin "Butch" Hankins; her brothers, Leroy and Zelo Goats; her sister, Bertha Baughman; a grandson, Quentin Hankins; and daughter-in-law, Debbie Hankins.

Verda is survived by her husband, Thomas "Tom" Young; her children, Mel Hankins, Mike Hankins and wife Dorinda, Judy Gerdes and husband Mike, and Mitchell Young and wife Freda; daughter-in-law, Sharon Hankins; 11 grandchildren, Necie, Cindy, Cheryl, Candice, Brad, Angela, Nikki, Carrie, Joey, Mitchell Thomas "M.T.", and Mallory; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; 3 special nieces, Bernice, Willie, and Darlene; her best friend, Peggy Hathcoat; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended relatives.

Visitation will be at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM both on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison. Pastor Johnny Walters will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Mike Hankins, Joey Hankins, Mitchell Young, M.T. Young, Mel Hankins, Brad Hankins, and Mike Gerdes.

Flowers are welcome, or donations in her memory can be made to CrossRoads Community Church, 2658 Old Bergman Rd., Harrison, AR, 72601.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the nurses and staff of Hillcrest Nursing Home, for the loving and compassionate care given to Verda and her family over the years.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com.