Slone referred to the older members of her community and family as "wonderful story-tellers... and praised the fact that "their descriptive phrases added humor and interest, giving character to the tale".
[5] Her work began being passed around and eventually grew so much in popularity that thousands of visitors started coming to visit her for a chance to listen to her stories.
In 1993 her portrait became the centerpiece of photographer Barbara Beirne's exhibit Women of Appalachia at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.
Verna wrote "What My Heart Wants to Tell" for her grandchildren and to honor her father, Isom B. Slone, who everyone called "Kitteneye"[7] Her most famous, enduring quote from the text is, "God knew that it would take brave and sturdy people to survive in these beautiful but rugged hills.
"[9] Slone originally wrote her book as a gift for family members; she ensured that all thirteen of her grandchildren received a copy.
Marrianne Worthington, a well-known educator, writer, and editor in the field of Appalachian studies, incorporates Verna Mae Slone's works into her curriculum for her students in "hopes that they, like Verna Mae Slone, will teach others the stories of Appalachia and make those words a part of their own telling hearts".
[14] In 1993, photographer Barbara Beirne's portrait of Verna Mae Slone was the centerpiece of the Women of Appalachia exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.