Vernell Suggs

He was born on June 19, 1954, in East Saint Louis, Illinois, to Booker Suggs and Pearline Nelson. Vernell came to Minnesota in his late teenage years, where he met Sherrie soon after. Together, they began a lifelong journey, building a life centered around their daughters, until her passing on March 15, 2022.

Vernell was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest pride in life was his family.

He was the proud father of three daughters: Rynell, Shauntell, and Sheenah. Toward the later years of raising his daughters, Vernell and Sherrie opened their hearts and home to two young girls, welcoming Angela at the age of 2 and La’Chelle at the age of 4 into their family. They raised them as their own, making his family complete with five daughters whom he loved deeply.

Vernell was devoted to his grandchildren. He was a proud grandfather to Justin Jr., David III, JoJo, Brayden, Cali, and Carson, each of whom he loved dearly.

Vernell enjoyed fishing, music, scratch-offs, playing cards, and had a crazy obsession with the Chicago Bears, passions he shared with his family and friends.

Vernell was a man who showed up for his family—offering strength, love, and a steady presence that will never be forgotten.

After over 13 years of dialysis and a recent diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer, his body became overwhelmed by sepsis. In his final moments, he was surrounded by love, with his family by his side—holding his hands, speaking to him, and playing his favorite music.

He is now reunited with the love of his life, Sherrie, whom he missed dearly.

Preceded in death by: his wife, Sherrie; his brother, Donny; and his parents, Pearline Nelson and Booker Suggs.

Survived by: his daughters, Rynell (David), Shauntell (Josef), Sheenah, La’Chelle, and Angela; grandchildren, Justin Jr. (Isabella), David III, JoJo, Brayden, Cali, and Carson; his brothers and sisters Barbara Green, Lucille Spearman, Booker Suggs, (Verne Suggs) Marilyn White, (Michael White) Darlene Suggs-Evans, (Charles Evans) Ricky Suggs, (Starr Suggs) Gerry Suggs, (Samantha Suggs) Trudy Brown, (Derek Brown) Coy Suggs, Rebecca Hinton, (Samuel Hinton) Vanessa Nelson, Regina Nelson-Curry, (Terence Curry) Eugene Nelson, Sondra Nelson ; and many nieces and nephews who were all special to him.

Vernell will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His love will live on through his family, and his memory will be cherished forever.