The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) and the North Carolina Baptist Foundation presented the 2008 Baptist Heritage Award to retired Jacksonville entrepreneur Verna Bryan Respass. Mrs. Respass and her late husband Lloyd owned and operated Jacksonville Heating Contractors, Inc. and Jacksonville Builders Supply. Mrs. Respass served as secretary-treasurer for both corporations and is one of the few women in North Carolina to hold a heating and air-conditioning license. She also served as president of Bryan Investments, Inc. She is a current trustee of Campbell University.Presented on April 8 at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center in Greensboro, the Baptist Heritage Award recognizes an individual’s outstanding service to North Carolina Baptists.”Campbell University has been blessed by thousands of North Carolina Baptists willing to share their leadership skills, influence and other resources,” said Campbell President Dr. Jerry M. Wallace. “One North Carolina Baptist who continues in her dedication to the advancement of the University is Verna Bryan Respass.” Mrs. Respass, a former Campbell student, has served in many capacities through her work with Campbell University, holding positions on the Executive and Business Affairs Committees and serving as vice-chair of the Nominating Committee.She is equally engaged in Onslow County causes as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and trustee of Onslow Community College. Mrs. Respass also plays a leadership role in promoting the excellent relationship that Camp Lejeune, the U.S. Marine Corps, the City of Jacksonville and the greater Onslow County community enjoy.She is the mother of Brenda Respass Parkerson. Her son, the late Lloyd Bryan Respass, was also a former Campbell University student.Photo Copy: Mrs. Verna Bryan Respass, center, receives the Baptist Heritage Award from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and the Baptist Foundation. From left, Milton A. Hollifield, Jr., Executive Director-Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Mrs. Respass, and Dr. Jerry M. Wallace, president of Campbell University.
Jacksonville resident Verna Respass receives the Baptist Heritage Award