Vernada Rose Batts

Mrs. Vernada Rose Batts, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin, friend, and so much more, passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 8, 2022, at her home in Fort Washington, Maryland, at the age of 66.

Vernada was born in Midway, Stafford County, Virginia and then grew up in the Brooke area of Stafford with her amazing large family as the seventh of thirteen children. Vernada was a 1975 Stafford High School graduate.  In 1981 she married Tyrone Ricardo Batts in Alexandria, Virginia, and welcomed their first two children into their lives.  In 1983, the family moved to Maryland, where their son was born, and their home quickly became the hub of their family's activities and a place where everyone was welcome. Vernada's immense talents and creativity led her to become a successful upholsterer, seamstress, costume designer/maker, and entrepreneur.  She was a connoisseur of Arts and Theater.  She loved music, especially worship music, and when she heard a tune being played, she was ready to dance.  She also enjoyed painting, gardening, and landscaping. Vernada genuinely loved all of God's critters, from the tiniest pollinators in her garden to her sweet Layla and four cats that offered her constant companionship and affection.

Vernada has been described as a beacon for God, which was evident in everything she did.  Her vast knowledge of many things often amazed others with her skills. There was nothing she thought she couldn't do. She was always available for anyone in need, offering anything she had, whether it was a place to stay, encouragement, or a kind word. Vernada would not only tell someone how to do something when asked, but she would also say, "let me help you.”  Vernada’s devout belief in our awesome God empowered her humble and patient spirit with the ability to share her love of Jesus with anyone. 

Vernada's greatest joy in life came from her love of her children and grandchildren, whom she adored. She was their biggest cheerleader and fiercest ally in any endeavor they pursued.

As her family grew, her unshakeable love and devotion expanded as well. Vernada was costume director and designer for Evangel Cathedral’s Christmas and Easter plays with casts of over 200 people. She also served with Minister Stephen L. Dory’s Summer Series productions for over ten years. As part of her ministry, she created biblical costumes, angel wings, roman soldier breastplates, helmets, and unique costumes for gospel recording artists. Vernada’s passion for costume artistry followed her to Eudora Performing Arts where she was the heartbeat of studio. She created dance costumes, orchestrated everything as the right-hand person to her daughter/director.  She tirelessly volunteered for any task necessary to promote, organize, operate, and maintain the studio she was so proud of.  She was so instrumental in its inception in 2005 and never stopped giving her all.  She was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her.  Her ever-present smile and laughter were contagious.

Vernada was predeceased by her parents Gabriel Joseph Eaglin and Eleanor Victoria Eaglin (née Smith), and her brothers, Emerson Paul Eaglin, Gabriel Junior Eaglin, and Matthew James Eaglin.

She is Survived by her husband Tyrone Ricardo Batts of Fort Washington Maryland, her Adoring Children: Verneda Victoria Batts of Fort Washington Maryland, Elisa Eudora Creech (Alonn) of Waldorf Maryland, Gabriel Tyrone Batts (Sherrell) of Temple Hills Maryland, and Step-Daughter Tamela Antoinette Addison of Alexandria, Virginia, her Beautiful Grandchildren: Victoria Tamela Skeete and Angel Rose Skeete of Fort Washington Maryland, Aiden Emmanuel Creech, Adrian Elijah Creech and Grace Eudora Creech of Waldorf, Maryland and Step-Grandchildren: Alonzo J. Nicoles and Amari J. Nicoles, her Beloved Sisters: Eleanor Anne Jackson (Temple) of Stafford Virginia, Arlette Rita Taylor of Fredericksburg Virginia, Janet Frances Rogers of Bowie, Maryland, Catherine Elizabeth Eaglin of Spotsylvania, Virginia and Elena Marie Robertson (Daniel) of Chesterfield, Virginia, her Cherished Brothers: Michael Joseph Eaglin (Portia) of Locust Grove, Virginia, Charles Andrew Eaglin of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Albert Xavier Eaglin (Cheryl) of Chesterfield, Virginia, and Phillip John Eaglin (Belinda) of Stafford Virginia, and a host of many nieces, nephews, and cousins that were so very dear to her.

A Homegoing Service to Celebrate Vernada’s beautiful life will be held at 11am on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the River of Life Church 4207 Norcross Street Temple Hills, Maryland 20748, with a viewing prior at 10am.

Howard James Busch, Jr, presiding

Chaplain (CPT), US Army Retired

Interment will follow:

Heritage Memorial Cemetery, 13472 Poplar Hill Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601

Repass will be following the burial services with the presence of the family only.