Mrs. Vernelle V. McGauley Brown, 82, of 117 Bent Court, Blackshear, GA, was called home to eternal rest Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, while surrounded by her loving family.

Her Beginning

She was born in Waycross, January 19, 1936, to the late Fred and Effie McGauley. She was the 10th child of 14 children.

Her Journey

She grew up in Waycross, where she graduated from Center High School in 1956. She lived in Waycross, most of her life before relocating to Blackshear. At a very early age, she accepted Christ as her personal savior and joined New Mount Pleasant Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Wesley Lowe. She was a devoted and faithful member at New Mount Pleasant Baptist Church where she served in many capacities, throughout the years. She served on the Kitchen Committee, Senior Choir, Program Committee, Sunday School Teacher and Treasurer, Pastor’s Aid Board, and Mothers Board, just to name a few. She remained devoted and faithful, currently serving under Pastor Jackie L. Hooper Sr. She was a hard and dedicated worker. She was employed by Jim’s Barbeque, Memorial Hospital and John H. Swisher Cigar Factory. Thereafter, she was employed by Waycross Police Department where she retired in 1998. Shortly thereafter, she fulfilled her life-long dream of becoming an entrepreneur as owner and operator of VB&J Hats & Accessories. The name of her business originated and represented Vernelle, Brenda and Janice. It was inspired by the loving bond that she shared with her daughters. Vernelle initiated and brought awareness to the RIVERS Foundation and Waycross City and County Officials regarding the gross neglect of Red Hill Cemetery. As a result of her concern, the community is currently moving forward in bringing a resolution to preserve the dignity of those buried there. Although she didn’t live to see the completion of this project, those left hopefully will see it through. She was very creative and always put her hands to great use. She also enjoyed baking and decorating cakes for weddings and other events. In her spare time and quiet moments in her home, she also enjoyed working in her yard and creating arts and crafts. She would oftentimes say, “I want to do all I can, while I can!” To some she was known as Ms. Brown, Vernelle, Mother Brown and Von. To her family, she was known as Mom, Grandma, GG, Sister, Auntie, Cousin and Friend.

She was preceded in her death by four sisters,  Louise Edwards, Ruby Neal, Beatrice Nails and Sadie Bell; five brothers,  Thomas McGauley, Eugene McGauley, Willie McGauley, Fred McGauley and Alton McGauley.

Her Legacy

The legacy of her life lives on in the cherished memories of her two beloved daughters,  Brenda Gordon (Robert), Stone Mountain, Ga and Janice White (Aaron), Jacksonville, FL; grandsons, Ardre Gordon, Atlanta and Robert Michael Gordon (Quiana), Stone Mountain; granddaughters,  Sandres Jones (Bruce), Candres Wilson (Jerrod) and Armisha Johnson (Charles), all of Jacksonville, FL; great-grandchildren, Christopher Gordon of Atlanta, Aaryn Wilson, Charles Johnson, Lauryn Jones, Landon Jones, Chayse Johnson and Paris Wilson, all of Jacksonville, FL; four siblings, Essie Hands, Waycross, Alberta McGauley, Youngstown, OH, Marie Daniels (Quincey) of Blackshear, Georgia and Ola Ray (Henry) of Detroit, MI; adopted sister, Wilhelmenia Seays; caretakers, Mabeline Jordan and Evelyn Thompson and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

“Vernelle V. McGauley Brown was loved by many and will be missed dearly,” said a family member.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 8, at the New Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 901 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at New Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 901 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross, GA.  The Rev. Jackie L. Hooper Sr., pastor, will bring words of comfort.

Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Waycross.

The cortege will assemble at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the home of her sister, Essie Hands, 1238 Folk St., Waycross.

Final and most sacred arrangements are entrusted to the professional care of Rainge Memorial Chapel, Inc.