CLAYTON, NY — Vernice E. Duford, 87, passed away Thursday at the Samaritan Medical Center, where she had been a patient a short time.
Born Feb. 24, 1931, in Watertown, the daughter of Harold and Marguerite Brown Rivers, she graduated from Clayton High School.
She married Norbert Duford on Sept. 26, 1949, at St. Mary’s Church with Father George Racette officiating. Mr. Duford died June 20, 2003, at age 80.
She worked for a time at Graphic Controls, and for a short time for the Thousand Islands Sun.
Vernice and her husband owned and operated the Lilliput Doll Company, where they made porcelain dolls that won numerous international awards.
She enjoyed antiques and artwork.
Surviving are two children, Ron (Lynnette) of Clayton, and Raine (Ronald) Montante of Rochester; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; five great- great-grandchildren; a brother, Jim of Chaumont; four sisters, Terri Burns of Clayton, Anne Patterson of Albany, Bessie (Leo) Bennette, and Francis Bennette, both of Watertown; nieces and nephews.
A grandson, Jeff Schafer, five brothers, Robert, Bill, Harold, John, Thomas, three sisters, Marilyn Russell, Pattie Rivers, and Ruth Dunbar, all died before her.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, at T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.
A burial will be held at the family’s convenience at the old St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Donations can be made in her name to the Jefferson County S.P.C.A., 25056 Water St, Watertown, NY 13601
Condolences can be made at trjetty.com.
