Vernice Helms Norton Waddick

Vernice Waddick was born on May 1, 1938, in Thomaston, Georgia, and passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Katy, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was raised in a close-knit family with her sisters, Barbara Baker and Marie Norton. Guided by her deep faith, Vernice devoted her life to caring for others—as a licensed nurse, a loyal sister, a devoted wife, and the centerpiece of her family. She and her sisters sang with their mother in ministry to churches, nursing homes and prisons. She continued to minister to others through cards, letters, phone calls and text messages to the end.

She married Robert “Bob” Norton in 1958, after completing nursing school at Piedmont College. They settled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where they raised their daughters, Patsy Seiler and Teresa Smith. It was here that they built a lively family community of their siblings, nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends. Vernice was later blessed with grandchildren, Forrest Smith, Paul Seiler, Robert Seiler, Elliot Smith, Dr. Emily Waddick Harris, Tyler Waddick, Caleb Waddick, Zach Sontag, and great-grandchildren Lily Seiler, Cherin Smith, Sophia Seiler, Ella Smith, Elena Seiler, William Harris, and Frances Smith.

After Bob’s passing in 1990, Vernice found companionship again with Thomas Waddick, whom she married in 1992. Tom’s children, Chris Waddick and Valerie Waddick-Sontag, quickly became her own. There were no ‘steps’ in Vernice’s heart. Vernice and Tom had thirty years together filled with devotion, shared family, and daily expressions of affection before his passing in 2021.

Vernice is survived by her daughters, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; the daughters of her heart, Judy Ruiz and Karen Lake, and extended family who cherished her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Emory Helms and Grace Tomberlin; her husbands, Robert Norton and Thomas Waddick; her sister, Marie Norton; and her son, Christopher Waddick.

Serving as pallbearers are Forrest Smith, Paul Seiler, Robert Seiler, Elliot Smith, Tyler Waddick, and Caleb Waddick.

Honorary Pallbearers are Bruce Sontag, Zach Sontag, Chip Seiler, and Logan Harris.

Vernice leaves behind a legacy of deep faith, service to those less fortunate, unwavering kindness, and love for her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be made to the mission of Rancho Louisiana, which Vernice and family have supported for more than 35 years: https://givebutter.com/rancholouisiana

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.