Vernon was born on January 25, 1934 in Sumter, South Carolina. She moved to Virginia Beach when she was six – and called Virginia Beach home for the rest of her life. She graduated from Oceana High School in 1952 and enjoyed reconnecting with a few of her classmates many decades later. In January of 1953, she was introduced to a tall, handsome soldier who had been stationed at Fort Story………and six months later they were married!
Vernon was predeceased by her husband, Joe, after 52 years of marriage. She is survived by her three children, Joe Perez, Jr. and wife, Shirley of Virginia Beach, Vicky Parker and husband, David of Richmond and Julie Boone and husband, Don of Virginia Beach. She is also survived by five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Stephanie Retzke and husband, Travis (daughter Madelynn), Jason Perez and wife, Rebecca (son Owen), Andrew Brockell and wife, Bethany, Lindsey Delarosa and husband, Julian, and Emma Boone.
As a member of the Virginia Beach Community Chapel for many years, Vernon developed a special love for teaching Sunday school to young children. That love and commitment continued as she moved on to become a member of Avalon Hills Bible Church. She was always ready with a hug, a song, a story or a silly game when she was with her “little ones”. Vernon loved all the children she taught in Sunday school and Awanas through the years and was very proud as she watched them grow up.
Vernon loved the Lord, her family, her church, and all of her very special friends. Her family would like to thank those friends who all remained so faithful, especially as her health declined in the last few years. There was rarely a day (before COVID) that Vernon didn’t have at least one visitor, and she cherished the fellowship and friendships that were so important to her. We would also like to thank Dr. L. Rob Cajulis and the nurses and staff of Unit 2 at the Virginia Beach Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their care and support for the past five years. As we mourn the loss of our mother, grandmother and friend, we also celebrate her welcoming in to the arms of her heavenly Father.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Avalon Bible Church on Saturday, May 1st at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Avalon Hills Bible Church.