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Vernell Peeples, Jr.


Sunrise: July 15, 1942

Sunset: July 21, 2021

Vernell (Vern) Peeples Jr., the son of the late Bettie and Vernell Peeples Sr., departed his life on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Sentara Hospice House, Virginia Beach, VA. He was born in Franklin, VA on July 15, 1942 and was educated in the Portsmouth public school system.

While in his early twenties, he decided to leave Portsmouth, VA and head to the “Big Apple” (New York City) in search of a new life. Shortly after his arrival in the big city he met the love of his life, Olivia, whom he affectionately called “Libby”. They would soon get married, start a family of their own, and spend the next 26 years there.

After raising their two sons, he and Olivia decided to move back to the South where they would plant roots in Virginia Beach, VA, and spend the next 27 years there until his untimely passing. In the past few decades he worked in the hospitality sector and because of his outgoing personality and great sense of humor, anyone that knew him would say that no one was a stranger to Vern. They were just all friends he hadn’t met yet.

Preceding him in death are both his parents, Bettie and Vernell Peeples Sr., his sister, Bettie Jean Boone, and his brother-in-law, James Wells (Dollie), as well as several aunts and uncles and other beloved family and friends.

He leaves to cherish his memory his companion and wife, Olivia, of 53 years and their two sons: Shelton Peeples (Teri), of Bayonne, NJ; Darnell Peeples (Monique), of Hiram, GA; his son, Anthony Williams of Hampton, VA; and his daughter, Tribel Nickerson of Covington, GA; including several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Five sisters: Dollie Wells of Virginia Beach, VA; Geraldine Epps (Robert) of Chesapeake, VA; Elsie Whitehead (Moses) of Chesapeake, VA; Carolyn Parker (Larry) of Chesapeake, VA; and Sharon Sampson of Portsmouth, VA. Three brothers: James Peeples (Barbara) of Norfolk, VA; Matthew Peeples of Virginia Beach, VA; and Milton Peeples (Sherl) of Portsmouth, VA. His numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other special relatives and friends.

Viewing Saturday, July 31, 2021 1:00pm - 4:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Sunday, August 1, 2021 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Portsmouth Chapel Interment Olive Branch Cemetery Cpl J M Williams Avenue Portsmouth, VA 23701 *Masks Required*

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Condolences(12)

  1. reply
    Rev Joyce Mackey-Foster says

    Praying for the family

  2. reply
    Kim Smith says

    Uncle Vernell your infectious laughter and your singing of “Under the boardwalk” are among the precious memories that will always bring a smile to my face .Rest in Paradise.

  3. reply
    Barbara E Cross says

    Praying for comfort and peace during this difficult time.

  4. reply
    Steve Moore says

    Vern always blessed me with his warm smile, a hearty handshake, and a positive perspective on life. He was a ray of sunshine in my day. I will miss him.

  5. reply
    Michelle Key Parker says

    God bless each one of you. Remember your loved one in memories each day. Vernell will always be with you. We love you all. Michelle and the Key family ❤️

    • reply
      Karen and Mike Helbock says

      We have known Vern Since 2006 and there was not a day that went by that Vern did not have a positive attitude and a short story to tell us about how grateful he was for his life, family and his friends. He brought a big smile to the important work he did for all us at the Oceans. We will deeply miss him and pray that his family has the strength to get threw his passing with the peace of mind and love that Vern lived with.
      Warmest wishes, Karen and Mike Helbock

    • reply
      Karen and Mike Helbock says

      We have known Vern Since 2006 and there was not a day that went by that Vern did not have a positive attitude and a short story to tell us about how grateful he was for his life, family and his friends. He brought a big smile to the important work he did for all us at the Oceans. We will deeply miss him and pray that his family has the strength to get threw his passing with the peace of mind and love that Vern lived with.
      Warmest wishes

  6. reply
    Janet Zaritsky says

    Vern was a beacon of light for those of us who call the Oceans home. He made each of us feel special and important. Vern was a gift that we cherished. He will be missed, but his special bench will be a constant reminder of his loyalty and kindness. RIP, Vern.

  7. reply
    Larry and Diane French says

    At the Oceans, Mr Vern’s cheery greetings always put a smile on our faces. Loved chatting with him about all sorts of things. He was smart and funny and caring. We have missed him. We put a balloon that says “Vern’s Bench” on his bench in the building. RIP Mr Vern. Prayers and comfort to his loving family and friends.

  8. reply
    Erica Reisner Ausch says

    Always the gentleman in every way. Oceans residents appreciated his kindness and loyalty. He is missed. Condolences to the family and especially to James (his brother)

  9. reply
    Jane Good says

    Vern will be missed by me and my grands. Always pleasant and helpful and sometimes lucky in a favorite pastime. Prayers for his family from this member of his of his Oceans family. RIP, Vern.

  10. reply
    Karen Thomann says

    I had known Vern since my first days as an owner at Oceans, many years ago. I loved him, and considered him a friend. We always were happy to see one another and exchange a hug, I will miss him dearly. His cheerful and helpful presence was a light to all of us at Oceans. RIP, my friend. I will remember you always.

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