Vernon Sharrett

Vernon Sharrett, 79, went home to be with the Lord on March 11, 2012. He was born on December 16, 1932 to the late Elizabeth and John A. Sharrett, Sr. in Portsmouth, VA. He is predeceased by a sister, Betty Stallings and two brothers, Willie and Johnnie Sharrett. After high school, he attended various military and trade schools. Vernon was an Air Force Veteran and served in the Korean Conflict. He also worked at N & W Railroad, Portsmouth Fire Dept., and worked 30 plus years at NNSY, Shop 51. He was a member of the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, Sentara Choral Group, Prentis Park Reunion Committee, and Echoes of London Bridge. He was a volunteer at Sentara Princess Anne, served on Sentara’s Auxiliary Board, had a personal Nursing Home Ministry, and was an avid supporter of Operation Smile and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 36 years, Roni H. Sharrett; daughter, Ginny Gower (Steve); son, Bert Snelling (Sonja); grands; Melissa Hughes, BJ Snelling (Sara), and Ross Gower; great grands, Sverre and Skyler Hughes; sister, Marian Bramlett of AL; Barbara Sivertson, Mary Virginia Ramsey (Robert), and Patsy Calderazzi (Larry) of FL; brothers, Eddie and Herbert Sharrett (Nita); and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, in-laws, family and very special friends, particularly within his Spiritual Family! He treasured his many friends and opportunities to grow and serve at London Bridge Baptist Church where he attended the John Steel Sunday School Class, served in the Food Ministry, sang with The Echoes and provided support for the church Altar Counselors. Mr. Sharrett was quick to share treasured memories of his time in the USAF where he transitioned from boy-hood at age 17 to man-hood. He served most of his time in Omaha, NE and French Morocco, N. Africa. He had a true servant's heart and was really blessed in his roughly ten years of service as a volunteer with Sentara Bayside, and upon it's opening, the new Princess Anne Hospital where he became known as "The Candy Man". He would never be caught without a pocket full of Tootsie Pops to offer to patients and families. When not volunteering, he enjoyed relaxing in front of his television. An avid history buff, he watched every program offered, particularly on the WWII and Civil War era. Old black and white movies were a fascination for him and he would never consider missing a John Wayne flick.... He followed most sports and particularly liked college basketball. He brought sunshine into so many lives in the nursing homes where he always ensures each person got a big hug and "Howdy". A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 6-8pm, at Smith and Williams Kempsville Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 11am at London Bridge Baptist Church, 2460 Potters Rd. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Portsmouth, VA. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Gideon’s, International. You may pay your condolences at smithandwilliamskempsville.com