By Jessica Moore

Staff Writer

Vernell Marshall is one caring lady, and many in the county will remember her as their kindergarten, fifth grade, or seventh grade teacher. She's fiercely independent, but about three years ago Marshall suffered a stroke, making it difficult for her to get around like she could before. Because of this, she has chosen to sell her home and has purchased a simpler house in town, one that she can handle more easily. This has led to a difficult decision: she must give away her beloved animals, and is looking for loving homes for all but one or two of the cats.

Marshall has been rescuing cats for as long as she can remember.

"Growing up on the farm we had 13 cats. I remember my father coming up from the dairy barn and pouring milk in a big bowl. All the cats would gather around and drink it," said Marshall, reminiscing about the days on the farm with her nine brothers and sisters.

All of her cats are very healthy and friendly. There are a few that would make excellent barn cats. The others would love to be indoors, but don't mind being outdoor cats either. They are all litter-box trained and have yearly checkups including rabies shots, dewormer, and ears checked. They all receive Frontline Plus every 4 to 5 weeks. All of the cats have been spayed and neutered, but not declawed. Since they are mostly outside, Marshall wanted them to all be able to defend themselves if necessary.

The cats all have their own names, and she can tell you exactly who is who. Many of their names are Biblical, others are just names she liked, or felt suited them. There are the three Johns, Big John, Medium John, and Little John. They all look alike except for their size. Harold and Lisa are two that look alike. Then there's Hannah, Ruth, Esther, Pearl, and Sarah. Some of the boys include Ray, Charles, Henry, Randall, Sampson, David, and Josh. Marshall also has a dog named Daniel. He is part blue heeler and is 8 years old. All of these precious animals need to go to a loving home and soon, so Marshall can finally move into her new house.

If you are interested or know someone who might be, please give her a call at (931) 359-4921; leave a message with your name and phone number if she does not answer, and she will call you back as soon as she can.

Marshall graduated from Austin Peay University and did her student teaching at Fort Campbell. She was a school teacher for 31 years before retiring in 1993. She taught kindergarten, fifth grade, and seventh grade at Cornersville Schools for over nine years. She was the only teacher in the county certified to teach kindergarten when the Governor made kindergarten mandatory. She also taught in Savannah, Ga., where she lived for some time with her second husband, Gordon Marshall, until settling in Marshall County after retiring. Gordon and Vernell were married in 1985 and he passed away a few years ago. They never had any children, but they loved their animals just the same.