Vernell Johnson Nuckols was born June 1, 1929, to the late Julian P. Johnson and Violet D. Johnson. She departed this life October 9, 2015 at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Leroy Nuckols; one brother, Johnnie Johnson; two sisters, Lois Gardner and Daphrine Wood.

Vernell graduated from the Louisa Training School in 1947, the first four-year high school for blacks. After graduating, Vernell began her work career with Myrna Mills Clothing Manufacturer in Mineral, Virginia until the factory closed in the late '50's. After leaving Myrna Mills, she was employed by the Louisa County Public Schools as a teacher's aide in various schools in the county including Z.C. Morton Elementary and Apple Grove Elementary. She concluded her career by retiring from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in 1991.

Vernell joined the Watch Tower Baptist Church in Buckner, Virginia at an early age. Later, she moved her membership to Ebenezer Baptist Church with her family. She was an active member, serving faithfully as the president of the Ebenezer Missionary Society. She also sang on the Sanctuary Choir and regularly attended Sunday School. For many years, Vernell attended the Mattaponi Education Convention.

On December 27, 1953, Vernell was joined in holy matrimony to Harry Leroy Nuckols, a loving, caring and devoted husband. From this union they were blessed with a loving daughter, LeVerne Yvette Nuckols and a devoted son, Harry Goldwyn Nuckols. Vernell had many talents: a talented seamstress, a great homemaker and a gifted cook whose specialties were sweet potato pies and potato salad.

Vernell leaves to cherish her loving memory, her devoted children, LeVerne and Harry; three sisters, Wilma Coleman of Mineral, Virginia, Clineth (Ernest) Graves of Mineral, Virginia, Madeline (Raphael) Mickens of Landover, Maryland; three brothers, Morris Johnson of District Heights, Maryland, Kenneth (Eavon) Johnson of Rocky Mount, North Carolina and Julian Johnson of Mineral, Virginia; one aunt, Gretel Anderson of Clifton Forge, Virginia as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Also left to cherish her memory is a faithful, dedicated, and loyal friend and caretaker Louise Langhorne.

Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Ebenezer Baptist Church Mineral, VA 23117 with Reverend William House III – Officiating and Reverend Roger M. Jones – Eulogist
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.