Helen Adelaide Braswell Vernon
March 21, 1925 ~ October 2, 2024
Resided in: Whitakers, NC
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Whitakers – Helen Adelaide Braswell Vernon, age 99, passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on March 21, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Henry Archelaus Braswell and Isabelle Taylor Braswell. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Herman Elwood Vernon; her son, Homer Braswell Vernon; her sister, Annie Braswell Wright; and her brother, Homer Parham Braswell who died while a war prisoner of the Japanese on Bataan during World War Two and was buried at sea.
After high school, Helen attended Peace College and went on to Wake Forest College from which she received her degree in Education. For a few years she taught school in Nashville, NC, while living there she met her future husband, Herman Vernon. After their marriage, they moved back to Whitakers where Helen taught school and Herman built their house in which Helen lived for sixty-seven years. She loved Whitakers and all of the people. She was a lifetime member of Whitakers United Methodist Church and was active in church and community activities. Helen knew all of the folks in the community, and they knew her. Helen, with grace and charity, was always ready to help anyone.
Helen is survived by her nieces, Janet Cannon and Katherine Davenport; nephew, George Albert Wright; cousins: Alonzo Graham Taylor, Jr. (Brenda), and Elizabeth Fleming along with her dear friend Carolyn Sapp.
A Graveside Service to celebrate Helen’s life was held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Whitakers Cemetery, 20124 NC-33, Whitakers, NC 27891, with Rev. Dr. Reginald Ponder officiating.
In Helen’s memory her family is sponsoring Whitakers United Methodist Church’s homecoming which will include a memorial for Helen, the service will be held Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 11:00. There will be a covered dish lunch after the service.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Services
Homecoming: Sunday, November 3, 2024 11:00 am
Whitakers United Methodist Church
304 W. Pippen Street
Whitakers, NC
27891
(252) 955-9663
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Such a classy and wonderful lady. I remember walking over to her house every day as a child. We would get dressed up, drive to Rocky Mount to shop (usually at the Classy Attic) and get some lunch. She would always help me with homework and made me do some sort of learning activity before I played at her house. I remember her trying to teach me how to play the piano, but even though I had no patience, she had enough for both of us. She would tell me stories of my father in her Sunday School class when he was a child, and would always speak in such a soft, sweet tone. I remember her knitting me a sweater, but I grew too fast, so she made it into a vest for my dog. I will never forget how she would say Charlie’s name- with such sophistication. No matter the occasion, she was always dressed to kill and I credit her for my love for jewelry. She taught me a lot growing up- not only crafting skills, but Bible verses, life lessons, how to love unconditionally, and how to always see the good in people. Heaven truly gained a special angel, but I am sure she and Homer have been reunited and hopefully she has one of the roasted chickens from Harris Teeter that he dreaded for her to bring home.
My treasure on earth is nowGOD’s treasure in Heaven.
My Aunt was the finest example of the southern gentil lady. Her love of life, family, and community was evident in her faith, actions, and deeds. Her generosity was her expression of her love of those she aided.
Always a kind word.
Her philosophy later in life was ” Whatever”. If you encounter issues in life that you cannot handle, or GOD does not intervene. Then, “Whatever”.
She was my mother’s younger sister. My Aunt will always go on in my heart.
I am a better person to have been related to Helen Braswell Vernon.
Love you,
Until we reunite in Heaven
Janet
Mrs. Vernon was a True Southern Lady and will be missed! I remember asking her one day “What is the secret to a Long life?” Her response was “Look for the Good in each Day, and some days it is very difficult, but if you look hard enough, you will find it.” Words of Wisdom for sure!
Always a kind word.
Her philosophy later in life was ” Whatever”. If you encounter issues in life that you cannot handle, or GOD does not intervene. Then, “Whatever”.
She was my mother’s younger sister. My Aunt will always go on in my heart.
I am a better person to have been related to Helen Braswell Vernon.
Love you,
Until we reunite in Heaven
Janet
Mrs. Vernon was a True Southern Lady and will be missed! I remember asking her one day “What is the secret to a Long life?” Her response was “Look for the Good in each Day, and some days it is very difficult, but if you look hard enough, you will find it.” Words of Wisdom for sure!
My Great Aunt Helen was truly someone to aspire to be. Kind, generous, humble, wise, independent, strong, positive, and just an overall pleasant person to be around. She would always say “you’re so pretty” to me when I would visit her and I would respond by saying “it’s because I have good genes”. If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting her or speaking with her, you’d notice her unique southern accent that is rare and no longer as prevalent today. I will miss her dearly, but am very thankful to be able to carry on her legacy of kindness and positivity to the world.
I have shared some pictures of the farm where she was born….such a quiet and peaceful place that will hold a special place in my heart forever.
So sorry to hear about the death of Helen Vernon. She was my 2nd grade teacher at Whitakers NC school. She was a great teacher, wife, and mother. She loved the town of Whitakers. She will surely be missed by us all. I will keep the Family and loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.