Vernell Smith Brown

Vernell Smith-Brown was born on August 25, 1945, to the late William Hoover and Marilyn Williams-Chitison. She departed this life on January 1, 2023. She was the oldest of three siblings. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Vernell attended Columbus City Schools and discovered her love for parades as she participated in The East High School Marching Band before attending and graduating from Linden McKinley High School in 1964. Vernell, a mother of six children, Kimberley, Autumn, Nathaniel, Eric, Robert "Malik," and Kasandra, was blessed with many grandchildren, an abundance of great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Vernell worked at the Hyatt Hotels of Greater Columbus as a PBX operator. Later she transferred to the Columbus Convention Center, where she managed Convention Services and was affectionately known as "The lady at the window" to cohorts. It was a landmark for guests who needed to find their way to various conference rooms or events within the facility. The lady at the window, "our beloved," was a shining star who used her talent also to provide directions to tourist attractions and give information about the best places to go and how to get there within the downtown area for any age group. They were guaranteed to have an exciting time. She would also coordinate social activities for executive leadership. Vernell was consecutively elected employee of the month and employee of the year, which resulted in an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii. After many years of service, Vernell retired from the Hyatt and Columbus Convention Center in the late 1990s. Vernell later joined the OhioHealth team as a systems operator until her health failed; even then, she attempted to maintain her position and found it extremely difficult to relinquish her call of duty.

Throughout her life, Vernell served many roles. Yet, she always chose to have a positive outlook and freely shared practical wisdom. She thrived on planning trips and coordinating events. Vernell loved and held close to her heart a dedication to Veterans of Foreign Wars and the many hours of volunteer work rendered as she passionately planned an abundance of service projects. She marched in numerous parades while educating the next generation to honor the service of Veterans and fallen warriors. Vernell was always involved and held an affiliation with organizations that promoted unity. She had several offices with great pride. She served with diligence, demonstrating a great allegiance to her country by serving as a long-time auxiliary member, past president, and Color Guard Captain of VFW Chapter 3764. Vernell served selflessly, representing her auxiliary and district with distinction. Even during the most challenging days of her battle, she was generous with love and time; Vernell was undoubtedly attentive and passionately indulgent about the sworn duties of her current office elect. Vernell enjoyed and stood well with The Eastern Star, Elks Nefertiti Temple #1377, and remained proud to support the Military Order of the Cootie (MOC), in addition to hosting and planning a Paint and Sip fundraiser for cancer awareness.

She also connected with her confidant and best friend. Albert Horne supported her during her better days and cared for her through the darkest hours. They spent time traveling and building memories until her last days. Vernell and Albert drove to North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Kansas City. Against the odds, Vernell requested her final road trip, a cross-country drive to Las Vegas, and he took her. Vernell lived life the way she wanted, always quick to laugh, meeting new people, experiencing new things, and for her coined phrases, "I love you hard… hard" and "you go on, girl!"! She lived a whole and satisfying life surrounded by rays of positivity; even during her fight, she was determined to "never give up."

Vernell was preceded in death by her late husband, Richard Brown; her parents, William Hoover and Marilyn Williams-Chitison, daughter Kimberley Payne, grandsons Jamerl Payeon and Travonne Williams; nephews William, and Timothy Jones; and her daughter-in-love, Tracey Harris.

She leaves to cherish her memory Albert Horne, children Autumn, Nathaniel, Eric, Robert "Malik," and Kasandra, and Catherine, 27 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, Sisters Juanita Bradley and Rhonda Hoover-Pettus, niece Kimberly (Dennis) Gullick III, nephew Nicholas (Christine) Jones, special friend Sandra Carpenter, a host of other family and close friends, Elks Nefertiti Temple #1377 and VFW Post Chapter #3764 Ladies Auxiliary.