Vernelle Outlaw Sr.

On December 26, 1953 a handsome baby boy with beautiful dark curly hair was born to Henrietta Outlaw-Cowan in Chicago Heights, Illinois. His time with his Mother was very short lived as she proceeded him in death at the tender age of six. He was then reared by his Mother’s sister in Mississippi.

Outlaw moved to Los Angeles, California as a teenager with his oldest brother. He attended Crenshaw High (class of 1972) where learning came easy for him and he was a part of the first graduating class. Vernelle often said these were some of the best days of his life! He became a superstar and even a superhero to his teammates and fans on the field. Football became his driving force and passion, his prowess at middle linebacker is legendary, the ‘Outlaw defense’ was created in his name. Friends became family as he built a lifetime of memories and lasting bonds. Stardom followed Outlaw into Valley Jr. College and on to Portland State University. During his football career he was celebrated as an All-League starting Linebacker and he prided himself on knocking his contenders off of their feet! As a leader, Outlaw’s influence carried off the field, he felt it was a duty and a privilege to stand up for others and named MLK and JFK as his heroes. Controversy surrounded protests that Vernelle took on and off the football field and he was told “he had too much power” by his coach at PSU. His desire was to participate in professional football, and he had multiple tryouts with pro teams and briefly played with Chicago Fire, Semi Pro in 1978.

In July 1979 Vernelle met his wife, LaVett. The love of his life. They relocated to Portland, Oregon and there they built a loving home sharing his pride and joy: their four kids. Together they spent time enjoying his infamous barbeque, fishing trips (catching sturgeon), him playing Nintendo/tecmo bowl with friends, master in spades and dominos and challenged anyone to catch a fade. He was competitive and could back up any smack talk. He also took pleasure in entertaining and hosting. He truly enjoyed his family and friends.

Vernelle was the fifth out of eight children and each of his siblings held a special place in his heart. His nieces and nephews were one of his many concerns and significant bonds and he was proud to be Uncle V to all of them. He wanted his family to know HIS truth, his hurts, pains and his heart and he wrote a book, “The Eyes of Mississippi Were Closed”, where he was transparent and honest about his triumphs, his conflicts and his truth with the intent to ‘save his family’. Vernelle was a man of wisdom, some would refer to him as a walking encyclopedia, he had a witty way of saying things that drew friends and frenemies to him, he befriended many, loved so many and would give his all to any in need. His kids and grands will uphold his legacy in showing not just saying.

Vernelle became health conscience in his later days and discovered a miracle tea that resulted in many of his friends and family being healed of inflammation. He took pride in knowing that he helped a plethora of people to get to a better place in their health.

The royalty of Vernelle Outlaw Sr. will continue with Wife, LaVett Narvelle Williams-Outlaw, Children (oldest to youngest) Vernelle Outlaw Jr.- Doodie (Kharia Taylor) ArVetta Nay Outlaw-Young NayNee (Husband – Michael W. Young Jr.) Murcedes Marie Outlaw, Munchkin Ball and Isaiah Williams Outlaw, Zasie. Six grandmunchkins- Zora, Paris, Zion, Zhyier, Zaiah and Ireland.

Vernelle’s siblings: Shirley Collier, JT Cowan, Rosetta Outlaw and Patricia Outlaw and Leslie Outlaw Sr. Willie Sr. and Eddie Jr. preceded him in death. With a host of in-laws (family) that he loved and it was reciprocated.

We loved our Daddy and was extremely proud of the dedicated father, proud Grandpops humble yet proud Man of God that he lived to become. There is no doubt that we will see him in glory one sweet day.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Palm Southwest Mortuary, 7979 W. Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89113. Arrangements under the direction of Palm Southwest Mortuary.