Dorothy "Verlene" Showalter was born on April 30, 1938, in Oakley, Kansas. She lived a life full of care and talent, offering her heart as a caretaker for the elderly and a foster grandmother to children in Headstart. She was a faithful and devoted member of her church, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. Dorothy passed away on May 6, 2026, in Poplarville, Mississippi, surrounded by her family.

Verlene was a woman who touched many lives. She leaves behind her children: Vicki Sue Battaglia and her husband Henry, James Aswell Showalter and his wife Judy, Patricia Diane Showalter, Christopher Robert Showalter and his wife Kim, and Steven Mark Showalter and his wife Jody. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Jane, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will remember her love and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James A. Showalter; her daughter, Elizabeth Marie Showalter; son in law Carlton Gillis; her parents, Benjamin Robert Vestal and Bertha Maxine Vestal, and her siblings Peggy Marvene, Benjamin Robert Jr., Carol Ann, Gary Wayne, Florence Lavona, and Lawrence Ray.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 29, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Picayune Funeral Home, located at 815 S. Haugh Ave., Picayune, Mississippi.

Inurnment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi, from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Here is the link for the map of the cemetery. Enter in at the gate marked "I" and follow it straight to the area marked "J" to park by the pavilion.

Verlene's family and friends will cherish her memory and the many ways she shared her caring spirit with the world. She will be deeply missed.

If you have any photos to share of Verlene please feel free to share them with the family at this link.