Vernia Penrod was more than just our cousin—she was a light in this world. A beautiful, brilliant, and eccentric artist, Vernia saw beauty where others saw brokenness. Her creativity wasn’t just a skill—it was her soul. Through painting, crafting, and jewelry making, she expressed her heart in everything she created.
Vernia struggled with mental health challenges, but she never let them define her. Even on her hardest days, she gave everything she had. She took in those who had nowhere to go, fed people who were hungry, and believed in those the world had cast aside. She knew pain, but she chose empathy. She understood struggle, but she chose love.
Tragically, Vernia’s life was taken from her in a senseless act of violence at a moment when she needed care and support. Her passing has left an unimaginable hole in the hearts of her family and the many lives she touched.
We are raising funds to help her brother, Thomas, travel from California to Kentucky to:
* Cover travel and lodging expenses for Thomas to get to Kentucky
* Hire legal support to ensure her belongings and rights are protected
* Cover the cost of cremation services and final arrangements
* Preserve Vernia’s personal belongings before they are discarded (we have been given 30 days)
* Speak with detectives to advocate for Vernia and put a face on the love her family has for her
* Show the authorities and community that Vernia was deeply loved and deserves justice
These costs are overwhelming, and time is limited. We’re asking for your help to give Vernia what she gave so freely to others—compassion, dignity, and love.
If you’re able to contribute or share, it would mean the world to our family. Vernia gave everything she had in life. Now, we want to give her peace in passing—and fight for the justice she deserves.
With love and gratitude,
Thomas and Chastity
