Verna (Powell) Briney

Memorial services for Verna (Powell) Briney, 62, will be held at 10:00 AM, Fri., Mar. 27, 2026 in the Wheeler Mortuary Chapel, with Michael Terry officiating.

Verna Glenn Powell-Briney, 62, of Abilene, Texas, was born on October 9, 1963, in Snyder, Texas, to Vernell (Gilmore) and Clayton Powell. She passed from this life into the Kingdom of Heaven on March 10, 2026, in Abilene, Texas, surrounded by those who loved her most.

Verna was a 1982 graduate of Elida High School, where she was an excellent student and participated in volleyball, basketball, and track. Later in 1982, she married Joel Widener, and together they raised their family near Elida. Verna was an excellent baker who made many elaborate birthday cakes for her sons, nephews, and nieces. She was also a talented seamstress, lovingly creating school clothes, pajamas, and Halloween costumes for her boys.

In July 2007, Verna married Shayne Briney. Together they made their home in several places across New Mexico and Texas, most recently in Abilene, Texas. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their grandchildren, creating many cherished memories together.

Verna worked hard and never complained. She was employed at Allsup’s for many years, where she made countless lasting friendships. After leaving Portales, she worked several office jobs and most recently worked as a school bus driver in Portales before retirement.

Verna is survived by her husband, Shayne Briney of Abilene, Texas; her two sons, Kelby Widener of Austin, Texas, and Caleb Widener and his wife, Braden, of Roswell, New Mexico; her granddaughter, Reese Widener; her step-son, Tyler Briney and his wife, Berkley; and three step-grandchildren, Josie, Bennett, and Lainey Briney. Verna is further survived by her sisters, Toni Powell and Sandra Baca and her husband, Gilbert; her brother, Bill Powell; and half-sister, Cinda Hobbs and her husband, Larry. She also leaves behind her niece, Britnie Powell; her nephew, Brady Jasso; and her great-nephews, Preston and Parker Powell.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents, Vernell and Clayton Powell; her maternal grandparents, Monroe and Opal Gilmore; her paternal grandparents, Truman and Zula Mae Wood; and her nephew, Brennen Jasso.

Verna will be remembered for her kind heart, unwavering faith, and deep love for her family. Her presence brought comfort and joy to those around her, and her memory will be treasured forever.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Verna (Powell) Briney, please visit our floral store.