Losing preferred font when deleting signature

[LoisP]

I use Verdana and use a default signature. If I delete the signature before
typing an e-mail, the font switches to Times New Roman, both on new e-mails
and replies. In Options, I have selected Verdana for every possibility. If I
type the message first and then delete the signature, I don't have the
problem, but I'd like the option to clear it out first. Any ideas? (Thanks!)