Blackburn, Verniece P.

(nee Patch) 90, of Chicago, passed away March 28, 2016. Beloved wife of the late William Blackburn. Preceded in death by 7 brothers, Phillip, Daniel, Pompey, Eugene, Manuel, Samuel, Milton, and 1 sister, Guiletta Hudson. "Vern" grew up in Englewood, graduated from Lindblom Technical High School, attended Roosevelt University and owned a neighborhood store in Hyde Park for many years, later selling items in south side flea markets. Proud of all of her nieces and nephews, she was a devoted fixture at the Bud Billiken Parade Celebrations in her signature "tam", where her extended family gathered every August. She was especially proud of her greatnephew, Kurt Summers, who recently followed his late grandfather, Sam Patch, into public service as Treasurer of the City of Chicago.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews, Olivia (Charles) Patch-Stevenson, Guyletta Waller, Sabrina Patch-Teague (Tony), Shari (Raymond) Wilson, Denise Patch, Milton Patch (Sandra), Pamela Patch, Michelle Patch, Jacqueline (Malcolm) Whiteside, Terry Patch (Jacquette), Daniel Patch Jr., Keith Patch and a host of greatnieces and nephews.

Visitation/Prepast Saturday, April 2, 2016, 11:00 a.m., Service 12:30 p.m. at A.A. Rayner & Sons, 773-846-6133, 318 East 71st St., Chicago, IL. Interment following service at Beverly Cemetery, 12000 South Kedzie, Blue Island, IL 60406.