LOS ANGELES [mdash] Vernona Belle Nolcox Blair was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 2, 1924 to the parents of Matthias and Marie Nolcox. She was the eldest daughter of four children. Brothers, Rudolph and Noble; and sister, Joycelan, all preceded her in death. Vernona graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Vernona attended Indiana State College in Terre Haute, Indiana where she achieved her Bachelor of Arts (1944-1948) and Master of Arts (1949-1951). She later attended Pepperdine University, receiving her Degree in Early Childhood Education. Vernona married Stanley M. Stewart when she was twenty years old. They later divorced. Out of this union two children were born, daughter, Dr. Candace J. Stewart-Shaw; and son, Stanley M. Stewart. Her first step in a lifelong career in education began in Terre Haute, Indiana, as an Elementary School teacher and an instructor for Teaching. She also taught at Meadows Elementary School. Vernona continued her achievements by becoming the Principal at Highland Elementary School and then Director of Federal Funds and Property Titles for Vigo County in Indiana. She will be missed.