Sheila Louise Vernon

Sheila Louise Russell Vernon aged 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, surrounded by her family.  A devoted wife to Astley "Neville" Vernon (deceased) and loving mother of Elizabeth Johnson (Clifton), Sandra Vernon-Jackson (Calvin), Dionne Vernon, and Sean Vernon, she was known for her compassion and steady strength.

Sheila spent many years working in business administration with various companies, which included Sun Alliance and London Insurance Company in Kingston, Jamaica; Markham & Company, New York City; and SunTrust Bank in Atlanta, GA for over 20 years.

Sheila's quiet kindness and love of family were the heart of her home. She will be deeply missed by her sister Jean Peters, four children, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many extended family and friends.

A Homegoing service will be held in the chapel at A.S. Turner & Sons at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 27, 2026. The family will receive friends the hour prior. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens. After burial, a repast will be held back at the funeral home.

Eulogy

Sheila Louise Vernon

On Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, heaven sent its angels and gave Sheila her wings. Our sweet mother is now resting safely in the arms of her loving Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sheila Louise Russell was born on January 3rd, 1942, in Kingston, Jamaica, to the late Kathleen Rose Soares Russell and Charles Octavius Russell. She was the eldest of three children, Alfred Russell (deceased) and Jean Peters.

From an early age, Sheila showed determination and a love for learning. She attended Franklin Town Primary School and later completed her studies at Durham Commercial College, where she earned a certificate in business administration. In 1962, she married Astley “Neville” Winston Vernon (deceased), and their union was blessed with four children: Elizabeth Johnson (Clifton), Sandra Vernon-Jackson (Calvin), Dionne Vernon, and Sean Vernon.

Sheila built a meaningful and dedicated career. She worked at the Tax Commissioner’s Office in Mandeville, as well as Sun Alliance and London Insurance Company in Kingston, Jamaica. In 1980, she and her family migrated to the United States, settling in New York City, where she worked for seven years at the Markham & Company. In 1987, the family moved to Georgia, and she continued her professional journey at SunTrust Bank in Atlanta, where she served for more than 20 years until her retirement.

Sheila found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved dancing, listening to music, completing jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, and cooking. Among her many culinary gifts, her Escovitch fish and Jamaican sweet and sour pork were family favorites made with love and remembered with gratitude. She also enjoyed sewing and lovingly created many of her children’s outfits when they were young.

She had a gift for hospitality. Sheila delighted in entertaining, especially during the holidays, when her home was filled with family, friends, laughter, and the aroma of her delicious Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Those gatherings became cherished traditions that brought everyone together.

Sheila also loved to travel. Her journeys took her to the Mediterranean, South Africa, Hawaii, and the Grand Cayman Islands. After retiring, she continued to give of herself by volunteering at DeKalb Medical Center.

She was deeply involved in her community. Sheila was an active member of the Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA) and a proud member of The Sugar Canes, a singing group dedicated to preserving Jamaican folk music. Her faith was central to her life she was a devoted member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church and a committed participant in the Holy Cross Prayer Group.

Sheila memories are cherished by, her sister, Jean Peters; her four children; seven grandchildren Kiara Vernon, Ashley Jackson, Christina Jackson, Sean Winston Vernon, Gavin Vernon, Alexander Johnson, and Bradley Johnson, and four great‑grandchildren Kayden Johnson, Adriel Johnson, Kathleen Jackson, Cairo Vernon and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Sheila will be tremendously missed by her family and friends, but her love, her warmth, and her beautiful spirit will continue to live on in all of us.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing"

2 Timothy 4 vs. 7-8