Patricia Mae Hughes Verner's Obituary
Patricia Mae Hughes Verner, affectionately known as “Pat”, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Covington, Louisiana, at the age of 93. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 11, 1932.
She is survived by her children, Pamela Verner Owen and Janice Verner Milam (Matthew); grandchildren, Christopher Owen (Colleen), Amanda Owen, Emily Milam VanWambeke (Joseph), and Alexander Milam; great-grandchildren, Weston Owen and Ella Owen; and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Daniel Verner; her parents, William Walter Hughes and Vivian Trafton McNutt; and siblings, Helen Hughes Harding, Frances Hughes Brimer, and Irene “Mitzie” Hughes Norman.
A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Pat will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and zest for life. She grew up surrounded by the love of her family in Little Rock, Arkansas, until later moving to Houston, Texas, where she attended Rice University to study accounting. In 1956, Pat married the love of her life, James Daniel "Jim" Verner, with whom she shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a happy home in Houston, Texas, raising their two daughters, Pam and Jan.
Pat was active in her community, a proud member of the Pin Oak Garden Club, and also served as a Girl Scout leader. She worked as a contract draftsman for the telephone company before the family relocated to Slidell, Louisiana, in 1971. There, she became involved in community life and worked for many years as an office manager for an orthopedic surgeon. She retired in 1984 and embraced every moment of her later years with enthusiasm and love for her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought much pride and joy to her life.
A lifelong sports fan, Pat’s enthusiasm for the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers was unmatched. She never missed a game and even traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, to see LSU play in the College World Series. Her zest for life extended to traveling the world, taking cruises to Alaska, and exploring Europe. She enjoyed socializing, playing bridge, going on casino outings with her retirement community, and tracing family roots through genealogy research. She even traced her family all the way back to the Revolutionary War and became a member of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). Known for her quick wit, genuine kindness, and unforgettable hugs, Pat’s memory will continue to shine in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 27, 2026, at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow at 1:30 PM in Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi.
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for You are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever." — Psalm 23
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Verner’s funeral arrangements. Her family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?
