Vernestine Greer Bounds Kennedy

Vernestine Greer Bounds Kennedy, age 74 of Poplar Bluff, MO passed away on February 24, 2026. She was born on February 25, 1951, in Altheimer, Arkansas, the daughter of Hazel Mae Toney and McKinley Greer, who preceded her in death.

She graduated from Martin High School, in Altheimer, Arkansas. She attended AM&N, now the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from UAPB. Vernestine also furthered her education focusing on a special emphasis in Statistics at the University of California in Berkeley, California.

Vernestine’s successful and rewarding career spanned nearly 40 years with the Social Security Administration in the Poplar Bluff, Kennett, and Sikeston, Missouri offices. She was a trailblazer and made history as many firsts within the Social Security Administration. Vernestine was the first African American Claims Representative in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Field Representative in the same office. As a Field Representative, she traveled the District Office’s service area, which included Wayne and Stoddard counties to aid the public in all aspects of Social Security business. Her voice could even be heard during the publication and weekly radio show, reminding the listening audience “this is your right to know.”

While in the Kennett, Missouri office, she was a Management Support Specialist before being promoted and becoming the first African American Operational Supervisor. During her time in Sikeston, Missouri she was the first African American District Manager. She returned to the Poplar Bluff, Missouri office as the District Manager and retired in 2013. Vernestine mentored young people that started with the Social Security Administration. She was the recipient of several awards including the Social Security’s Volunteerism Award and Social Security’s Managerial Excellence Award.

She was devoted to her church and community serving in numerous roles at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church to include Dean of Christian Education Ministry, Financial Secretary, Sunday School teacher, among many other capacities.

Her impact extended to the State Convention of Missouri, where she served for nine years as the Special Assistant to Past President, the late Rev. Dr. Sammie E. Jones. She served as Special Assistant to Past President of Congress of Christian Education and additional ministries.

Vernestine was a servant in the community and educator who loved mentoring and working with children. She was a mentor and tutor with the Succeeding in School Program and served as a band mom with the Poplar Bluff High School Marching Band traveling to competitions. Vernestine served as an Advisory Board Co-Chairperson for the Wheatley Historical Preservation Association, Inc. and many other community organizations.

Vernestine was united in marriage to her love, Victor P. Bounds, a retired United States Postal Service mail carrier, who preceded her in death. They also had three beloved children. Her daughter, Shauntae Laird Kurney, also preceded her death along with grandparents Carrie Lee and Benjamin Toney, Hamp and Flossie Greer; her brothers, Vernon Lee (V.L.) Greer, Curtis Greer, Roger Greer, and Stanley Greer; sister, Helen Greer, and stepmother Angie Jackson.

Later in life, she married Russell Kennedy.

Vernestine’s memory and legacy continues through her children, Monica Bounds and Victor “Pierre” Bounds II; her grandchildren, Paige Kurney, Nicole Kurney, William “Trey” Kurney; brothers Michael (Betty) Greer, Kenneth (Katherine) Greer, Victor (Tanya) Hendricks, Andrew Hendricks; sister JoAnn (Joe) Davis, along with several nieces and nephews, whom she adored dearly, cousins, godchildren, friends, church family, colleagues, and mentees, whose lives were forever changed by her love and leadership.

Vernestine leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and impact that cannot be measured. Her life was a living testimony of what it means to walk with God and serve with excellence. Her voice, smile, willingness to help, and presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy, love, life, and leadership will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 913 Garfield Street, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Funeral service will follow beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Tommy Robinson officiating. Burial will take place at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

In memory of Vernestine, donations can be made to Succeeding in School Program, PO Box 1714, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 63902.

Flowers and cards can be sent to Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services, 1100 Iron Bridge Road, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Versestine Greer Bounds Kennedy. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com