Jennifer Ellen Vernon

Surrounded by family and close friends, Jennifer Ellen (Lehman) Vernon lost her battle with a rare form of cervical cancer on March 21, 2009. Born to Thomas Floyd and Barbara June (Maggard) Lehman on September 4, 1974, in Dayton, OH, Jennifer was adored as the youngest of three children. Jennifer realized her dream of becoming a wife and mother and was the happiest of her life since she married Tim Vernon November 11, 2006. She is survived by her husband, Timothy Allen, and their son, Luke Holden Vernon, born September 14, 2007, of Eaton, OH. Jennifer is also survived by her parents, Thomas and Barbara Lehman of Eaton; sister Michelle (Bruce) Frank and their children Hannah, Sean and Daniel of Crystal Lake, IL; brother Daren (Sherri) Lehman and their son, Cord, of Ostrander, OH; her dear Aunt Diana Maggard of Kettering; mother and father-in-law Willis and Mary Vernon; sister-in-law, Angie (Dave) Jennings and their daughters Amanda and Ashley; and close friends Shanda McWhinney, Amy Fugate, and Annie Martin, all of Eaton. She is preceded in death by grandparents Elmer and Faye Lehman and John and Beulah Maggard.

Jennifer was a 1992 graduate of National Trail High School, 1996 graduate of Edison State College, and 2002 graduate of the MVCTC Police Academy. A member of the FOP, Jennifer was respected by her peers and colleagues as a 911 Dispatcher and part-time, special-duty Sherriff's Deputy. Known as Jish to her family, she loved spending time with them and friends and adored being a mother and wife. Easy to laugh, she was always positive and strong. She fought until the end, never shedding a tear of pity for herself. She will be missed by all who loved her, and their hearts will always hold a special place for her as she rests in God's arms.

Funeral service will be Wednesday March 25, 11:00 a.m., at the First Church of God - 601 East Lexington Rd - Eaton, OH 45320 with Rev. Jerry Reynolds officiating. Family and friends may call Tuesday March 24 from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the First Church of God and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery at West Alexandria, OH. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a trust fund for Luke Vernon at the Freedom First Credit Union, Eaton. Personal stories, tributes and photos about and of Jennifer are being collected for a scrapbook for Luke; friends and family may e-mail Barnes Funeral Home at info@barnesfuneralhome.com or bring hardcopies to the calling hours or funeral. Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home, 220 East Main Street, Eaton, Ohio. Online condolences may be sent via Guest Book at www.barnesfuneralhome.com