Born October 9, 1927, in Carbon Hill, Alabama, Vernil grew up helping his parents as the oldest child. He joined the U. S. Navy at a young age and proudly served his country during WWII in Iceland and England. When he returned to the States he married the love of his life, Florence Beavers, and settled in Carbon Hill working in the coal mines. After the tragic death of their 16-month-old son Gary, Vernil gave his life to God under the ministry of Rev. Jack Jenkins. He accepted the call on his life to become a minister of the gospel and pastored many churches for the Church of God of Prophecy in the state of Alabama for 40 years. Bishop Sides was well respected in the church organization and served as District Overseer in various districts during his years of ministry. He was a visionary who constantly worked to improve church properties, including building and updating parsonages, sanctuaries, and church annexes.
Bishop Sides was a people’s pastor, making himself available to anyone with a need, while his precious wife always had a place at her table for the hungry. God blessed his ministry with many souls finding their way to salvation, healing, discipleship, and serving the community. He was known for his humble and meek spirit and his total delight in sharing the love of Christ to everyone he met. In fact, he spent his last day on earth sharing his testimony to fellow patients, which is exactly how this loving pastor and father lived each day.
Vernil Sides was preceded in death by his beloved wife and ministry partner Florence Beavers Sides in 2011; by his toddler son Gary Sides in 1948; by his parents Gertis and Mellie Sides of Carbon Hill; and by his brother Billy Sides of Carbon Hill.
He is survived by two brothers, Gene Sides (Bobbie) of Prospect, and Vertis Sides (Naomi) of Hamilton, MS; and by two sisters, Lou Nell Harrison and Ida Mae Feltman (Jack) of Carbon Hill.
He is also survived by two daughters, Phyllis Sides Cooper (Sherwood) of Madison Heights, VA; and Carolyn Sides Pierce (Roy) of Anniston, AL; and is survived by one son, Harold Sides (Carole) of Montgomery, AL. He is greatly loved by his grandchildren: Zane Cooper (Sabrena) of Amherst, VA; Jason Blankenship (Mandy) of Alexandria, AL; Rustin Sides (Courtney) of Montgomery, AL; Steven Blankenship of Anniston, AL; and Brock Sides (Chelsea) of Atlanta, GA. His great-grandchildren adored their Poppy Sides: Kazdyn Cooper Waldron (Justin) of Forest, VA; Braelyn Cooper of Amherst, VA; Malachi McCray Sides of Atlanta, GA; and Brick Abraham Sides and Bonnie Carole Sides of Montgomery, AL. He is also survived by nieces and nephews who will remember him with love and honor.
Services will be held at the Church of God of Prophecy in Carbon Hill, AL, on Friday evening, November 1, 2019. Viewing for all will be at 5:00 pm with a service to follow at 7:00 pm.
