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Vernell Elaine (Jackson) Wheeler was born on August 17, 1938, to James Arthur Jackson, Jr. and Inez (Hancock) Jackson in Brownsville, Pennsylvania.

She spent her childhood/teen years there, graduating from Brownsville High. She also lived next door to who would become the love of her life, her late husband, Clarence William Wheeler, Jr.

Later her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. There she would begin a 35-year career with BellSouth/Verizon. She blazed a trail as one of the only African-American women in a managerial position at the time. She was a beloved supervisor and coworker.

Vernell and Clarence reconnected while he was enlisted in the Air Force. Ultimately, they were married, residing in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. They would remain married for 52 years, until death did them part. To their loving union there were three children: Clarence, Diana, and Leslie.

Vernell loved the Lord and was a former member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Brownsville, PA and later joined Montrose Baptist Church in Rockville, MD. She lived for His promise of a heavenly mansion. She left this earthly home, transitioning from labor to reward on November 30, 2023.

Vernell was preceded in death by her spouse, Clarence Wheeler; sisters: Judith Kay Jackson Mace and Carol Jackson Smith.

She leaves behind to mourn and celebrate her life three children: Clarence Wheeler, Diana (Kent) Branch, and Leslie Wheeler; five grandchildren: Jordan and Jessica Wheeler, Courtney, Chloe, and Kent Branch II, and a couple of great grandchildren. She is survived by brothers: James (Jimmie Lee) Jackson, William Jackson and sister Eunice Jackson (Henry) Perryman; and brother-in-law Malridge Mace, nieces and nephews and some very special lifetime friends.