Elder Vernell Harper

Elder Vernell Harper, 85, of Clarksville, VA entered eternal rest on Monday, October 19, 2020, while in the care of the Hundley Center in South Hill, VA. Elder Harper was born in Green County, NC on August 16, 1935 to the late Thad Rhoades and Callie Harper. He was educated in the Green County Public Schools system. He attended Bull City Barber School in Winston Salem, NC and later worked as a barber. After moving from North Carolina to Virginia, he was employed by the Virginia Paper Company in Richmond. He relocated to Clarksville, VA after marrying Inez Washington-Harper in 1965. He gained employment with Spaulding Lumber Company until retirement. He was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ on August 1, 1961. Elder Harper dedicated his life to Christ and was a Bible Teacher on the Sabbath Day. He accelerated in office and became a minister of the gospel of Christ under the leadership of Evangelist Sue I. Edwards. He was later ordained as an Elder under the leadership of Bishop Willie G. Suggs. Elder Harper always encouraged the church with this expression…“if you’re happy and you know it, say Amen”. He would say it again “Come on ya’ll, if you are and you know it say Amen”. Elder Harper was an avid reader and loved to watch sports. His favorite team was the Redskins (now known as the Washington Football Team); he loved to wear his Redskins cap. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Marjorie Morris, Elderess Inez A. Washington-Harper, Vernell Eaton Harper; sisters, Rosa Lee, Esther Bell, and Louise and two stepsons, William and James Washington. He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted daughter, Pastor Inez Delores Dillard; stepchildren, Charles Washington (Denise), Benjamin Washington (Janice), Gloria Eaton, Evette, Dwight, David, Cornelius and Joshua; his grandchildren, Matthew Dillard, Jr. (Jennifer), Mario Dillard (Caryl), James Washington, Jr. (Terry), Gerald Washington (Joy), Alvin Washington (Casey), Michelle Washington, etc.; great grandchildren, Campbell Dillard, Christopher Askew, Aaries Askew, Erin Askew, Messiah Askew, Zyiion Askew, Jasmine Washington, Adam Washington, Jacob Washington and Alex Washington; sister, Ida Sutton of Morehead City, NC; brother, Thad Rhoades of Tidewater, VA; nieces, Esther and Kathryn Cooper; nephews, Reginald, Kenneth, Alexander, Thomas, and the Honorable Judge Paul Jones; his devoted friends, Minister Frank Perkins, Pastor Florine Bell, Minister Barbara Hampton and a host of other loving relatives and caring friends. A graveside service for Elder Vernell Harper will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Sunday, October 25, 2020 at the Washington Family Cemetery, Clarksville, VA with Minister Frank Perkins officiating. Public viewing will be held on Friday from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a mask will be required for all viewings and services, and we ask that you practice social distancing. Arrangements are by Giles-Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chase City, VA.