Mrs. Vernell Thompson Young was born on March 9, 1942, in Dale, SC to James and Azarine Kline Thompson. Vernell transitioned from this life on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at her home in Virginia Beach.
Vernell accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. While residing in Virginia Beach, she became affiliated with Messiah Presbyterian Church in Norfolk. She became an Elder and was a Liturgist for many years. She was also Clerk of Sessions, coordinated a Newsletter for Messiah and was active in Presbyterian Women’s groups.
Vernell attended Dale-Lobeco Elementary, Robert Smalls Junior High and graduated from Mather School in 1960. She was a member of the National Alumni Chapter of Mather School and was also the co-founder of the Beaufort Alumni Chapter organized in 2005. She remained a supporter of Mather until she became ill. Vernell received her Associates degree from Tidewater Community College where she graduated with honors. She also served on the Board of the Norfolk YMCA.
Vernell, affectionately known as ‘Vern’ was joined in matrimony to Harrison J. Young on May 20, 1967. From this union Todd Heston Young and Shaunel LeJoi were born. In addition to her husband and parents, she was precede in death by her sisters, Azarine Rosalyn Thompson and Margaret Olivia Thompson Green and brothers, James Lavall and Marvin Van Buren Thompson.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Todd; her daughter, Shaunel (Brandon) Freeman of Dover, DE; her sister, Sonja (James) Robinson of Rock Hill, SC; brother-in-law, Steven Green of Beaufort, SC; sister-in-law, Rosemary Thompson of Atlanta, GA; her nieces; nephews; cousins; god daughters Tamara and Tara Jones; special cousin, Dranreb Alston and special friends, Charlise Rogers Jackson, Patricia Price and Bettie Green.
To know Vern was to love Vern. She had an open heart and an open house. She never met a stranger and made everyone feel welcome. Vern was loved by many.
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