Marion Colton Vernon passed away March 3 at age 94. Born November 26, 1930 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, her family moved to Kansas City and then Topeka, Kansas, when Marion was 8.
Marion graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University. She met her husband of nearly 75 years on December 23, 1949. They were engaged on February 11, 1950, and were married later that spring on May 7.
The couple had three children: Dr. Mary Vernon, Dr. Matthew Vernon, and Ms. Susan Vernon; five grandchildren: Jessica Maher, Carl Scott Thomsen, Gwyneth Vernon, Ian Vernon, and Natalie Rios; and one great-grandchild, Astra Maher.
Marion lived life passionately. She enjoyed cooking, puzzles and card games, quilting, art collecting, reading, traveling, and being with her family. Travels included attending La Varenne Academy for Chefs in Paris, Thailand, China, South Africa, Mexico, much of Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
Marion gave back to her community as an active volunteer. She began as a member of the Junior League in Topeka. Later, she volunteered in the mental health movement with the Shawnee County Mental Health Association. She became the president of the Kansas Mental Health Association and then the president of the National Mental Health Association where she worked alongside former first lady Roselyn Carter championing the needs of the mentally ill. She worked as an unpaid lobbyist for this issue in Washington, DC, for sixteen years.
Marion and Atlee spent four years in Oklahoma City when Atlee was transferred there with the Fleming Companies. Marion and Atlee retired to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1988 where she continued her volunteer work as a member of GQ Chapter of P.E.O. beginning in 1995.
Beloved by her family, Marion is survived by her husband of nearly 75 years, Carl Atlee Vernon, Jr., her three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
I was forever blessed to meet Marion and Atlee when they moved to Oklahoma City. They had a lovely home across the street from ours in Val Verde. We became friends quickly and I loved them both from the beginning! Marion and Atlee were fun to be with and there was never a dull moment when they were present! They were kind and loving to my children Ryan, Marysa and Kaitlyn when they were young. Marian quilted a beautiful pink and white coverlet for my daughter Kaitlyn when she was born. Today I am now so thankful… Marion called me this past January and we had a wonderful catching up conversation! She was so proud of all of her family and shared where and what you were all doing now. I was shocked to read of her passing this morning and now remembering all of the fun we shared through the years together! Marian was truly one of a kind and the mold was broken when God made her!
Sending much love to Atlee…please know I am thinking of and praying for you, Mary, Matt, Susan and all of her family!
Fondly with love,
Nora Medley
Marion was my Godmother. I will always remember The Vernon’s lovely home at Christmas…with two Christmas trees! Marion and Atlee were so kind and loving to my mother and I during difficult times…precious memories. Cheers to you both for living such full and meaningful lives!
I spent many hours in the Vernon home after school and on weekends hanging with Matt and a couple of other neighborhood kids. Marion always had the best meals and snacks – particularly her cranberry bread. Condolences to all the family.
My condolences to Atlee, Mary, Susan, and Matt. Marion was one of a kind!
To Mary, Matt and Susan… Your mom was a spark in my life and a person who, in her own way, made a difference in my life. From being a mom in the neighborhood then I realized she was a leader in the community. Such a lady of many talents. I was lucky enough to receive one of Marion’s beautiful, personal quilts for our first born son, Garrett. She laughed when I told her my thoughts on what to put on the quilt and in the end she and I both loved it. A cherished item for us. We exchanged Christmas cards for years and I so enjoyed hearing of her travels and what you all were up to. I missed my card from her this year. Please know your Mom made a difference in so many people and I know I will miss her.
I had the privilege of knowing Marion through PEO and consider it a gift. She was a force, with a huge heart and giving spirit. She made a lasting impact on all of us, and we are grateful to have known her and dear Atlee. Blessings to all of you.
Dear Mr. Vernon and family,
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Vernon in 2024. May I say how incredibly blessed I feel to have known Marion. Her wit and humor were a delight! She loved her family so much!
Please accept my sincere condolences for this loss.
I am so sorry.. she was such an amazing lady! My heart aches for you! I still have her recipe for pumpkin soup!
Love to you all!
She is indelible and leaves an amazing progeny. Condolences, warmth, and love to you, your family, and friends.