Vernell Jeffers, also known as "Jeff", age 77, transitioned from this life into his eternal home with our Lord on June 3, 2020 in Greensboro, NC. He was born on March 13, 1943 to Sidney and Mary Elizabeth Lindsay Jeffers.

Vernell was a proud graduate from James B. Dudley High School Class of 1961, attended North Carolina A & T State University majoring in engineering, and later received an associate degree in Automotive Engineering from Guilford Technical Community College. He was among the first African Americans, in Guilford County, inducted as a Military Police Officer for the Army Reserve National Guard. Vernell's distinguished service to our country included leading troops into downtown Greensboro, NC during the civil unrest of the 1960s. He was Honorably Discharged in 1979. Simultaneously, Vernell worked 20 years for Western Electric (currently known as Nokia) as a machinist and was honored for teaching Automotive Engineering classes for the company before illness led to an early retirement. Following, he worked in various odd jobs.

Vernell was a member of Bethel AME Church where he served in numerous capacities and eventually became the church sexton on a part-time basis. He welcomed new members in his own unique way, and often shared advice with the youth of the church. Brother Jeff was the type of person who "would give you the shirt off his back" if you needed it.  His life was made rich through service to others. Vernell enjoyed learning new things and acquired skills in both sewing and photography. He was often requested to take photos for various occasions and celebrations.

From his 18-year marriage to Modgie Carol Williams, he fathered two children, Marcellus Vernell Jeffers also known as "Mark" and Pauline Elizabeth Jeffers Johnson. Vernell was a loving father, who devoted his life to enhancing the life of his children. He supported Mark in the creation of a "go-cart" from start to finish, which ignited a passion for welding. Vernell encouraged Pauline in dance, by transporting her to countless practices, attending recitals, and speaking life into her dreams to dance professionally. As Pauline transitioned into a career educator, marriage and motherhood, his fatherly advice was always present. Vernell was proud of his children and often jokingly stated, "they are my best work!"

He was preceded in death by his father,  Sidney Jeffers; mother, Mary Elizabeth Lindsay Jeffers; son, Marcellus Vernell Jeffers; sister, Shirley Clark; brother-in-law, Penn Clark; and brother, Sammy Jeffers.

He is survived by his daughter, Pauline Jeffers Johnson (William "BJ"); grandson, Emory Marcellus Johnson; three sisters, Josephine Davis (John) and Eleanor Jeffers of Greensboro, Hattie Staples (Vincent) of Hampton, VA; four brothers, Jackie Jeffers (Virginia) of New Bern, Frank Jeffers, Rev. Earl Jeffers (Lee), Ernest Jeffers (Carmela) of Greensboro; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A pubic viewing will be held at Hargett Funeral Service, Inc., 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro from 11:30 am - 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.