Vernice (Hatley) Brown, 70 was born to the late Curtis Hatley Sr. and the late Fannie Hatley on September 1, 1940 in Dubbs, Mississippi. She was the sixth child born out of eleven siblings. She received her education in the Tunica County Public School System and when the family relocated to St. Louis in 1958, she continued her education and graduated from Vashon High School in 1960.
Vernice married Willie Brown on August 4, 1963 and to their union one daughter, Velecia, was born. Vernice was a longstanding active member at the Greater Progressive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Darryl Johnson for over 40 years. She was a pillar of the Blackstone-Wells Neighborhood. She was an extraordinary entrepreneur and co-owner of Brown’s Food Shop for over 30 years. After retiring from her business, she later went on to work for BJC Village North Retirement Center for several years. She was a beacon of light to the residents, patients and fellow co-workers at Village North.
Vernice went to sleep in Christ on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at the BJC Village North Health Center. She was truly loved by all and she will be missed by her family, friends and loved ones. To send a condolence to the family, email them at: catctf@aol.com.
