Ms. Young was preceded in death by her mother, Juretha Holt (Pine Bluff, Arkansas), father Levy Harris (Pine Bluff, Arkansas), brother Richard Swayzer (Pasadena, CA) and niece Brenda McMurry (Kansas City, MO).
Vernell was born and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on November 6, 1934. She attended Merrill High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Later, Vernell attended Arkansas AM&N where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education. Vernell went on to pursue and obtain her master’s in education from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri. Vernell also attended Cosmetology School in Arkansas.
Vernell was a multi-talented woman and had a sincere passion for children and education as she worked as a Teacher with the Kansas City Missouri Public Schools District at Northeast Law & Military Magnet for 34 years until her retirement.
Vernell was a member of Second Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri where over the years she served on the Treasury and Camp Chapelle committees.
Vernell was a lifetime member of the Kansas City Chapter of the NAACP. She truly enjoyed helping others and was a mentor with Big Brothers & Sisters of Kansas City for several years.
Ms. Young was full of life and loved traveling. Throughout her life, she traveled the world to such places as Africa, Israel, Hawaii, Mexico, and other destinations chronicling her adventures.
In her spare time, she was an avid fisherwoman, gardener, bridge player, and loved to spend time with her family.
Vernell leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Kathryn O. Cowan of Kansas City, Kansas, one granddaughter Andrea Newton (Timothy Newton, Jr.) of Kansas City, Missouri, three great-granddaughters Kari Newton, Eden Newton, Anya Newton of Kansas City, Missouri, one sister, Mildred Burt and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private family services will be livestreamed Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM via: www.FB.com/MtMoriahNewcomer. (or click the link below)
