Billye F. Vernam, 89, of Rockford, IL, died peacefully in Rockford, May 26, 2025. She was born October 14, 1935, daughter to Patt Edward and Zella Estelle (Quillen) Eddings in Pensacola, Fla. She married her sweetheart, Claude Vernam November 11, 1955, in Pensacola, Fla. Together they were married 65 years. Billye was a proud military wife and mother. She belonged to Second Congregational First Presbyterian Church in Rockford engaging with the community in a number of clubs including Handbell, Chancel and the Children's Choir at the church.  She was also involved in the Mariners Fellowship Group and a volunteer for The Rockford Soup Kitchen and the American Red Cross as a blood donor. She loved to sew, cook, read and watching figure skating on television. She loved crossword puzzles, listening to classical music, shopping and traveling. She also loved to visit the orchard, walking with Linda and Helen and sipping on McDonald's sweet tea. Billye was also known for her sweater collection and her love for her pets and her family. She was proud to be a Navy wife and will be dearly missed. She was a hospitality specialist and great encourager of others.
She will be missed by her children, Laurie (Mark) Kersey, Amy Johnson (Dave) and Mike (Laura) Vernam; grandchildren, Bradley Kersey, Claire (Lee) Sandow, Joel (Layne) Johnson;  great grandchild, Lenora Sandow; special friends, Mary Makulec and Greg Makulec ; and Shawn and Christopher.
Billye was preceded in death by her husband, Claude; parents, Patt and Zella; brother, Patt; and sister, Edna Grey.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Second Congregational UCC/First Presbyterian Church, 318 N. Church St, Rockford, IL 61101. Pastor Martha Langford will officiate. Cremation Rites have been accorded and burial at a later date at Arlington Cemetery in Rockford. In her honor, donations to the church for their music program and to OSF Hospice for their exceptional care. To share a memory, please visit www.andersonfcs.com.