Vernell ‘Mimi’ Brooks Talley
by DFH Inc. on 01/07/20
Vernell ‘Mimi’ Brooks Talley was born to Gertrude and Irving Lang on November 23, 1936 in Tampa, Florida. The first daughter of nine children, Vernell spent a portion of her childhood in Beaufort, South Carolina, where she attended Robert Smalls Elementary School, then returning to Tampa to graduate from Middleton High School Class of 1954.
Vernell married Earl Griffin, where two sons were born out of that union: Michael Keith and Wendell Scott. She later married George Green and birthed two daughters: Constance (Nisha) and Joyce. She later met Frank Brooks Jr. and moved to Russellville, Tennessee in 1972, where her blended family grew to seven, to include Jackie, Kim and Rhonda. Settling into the local area, Vernell was employed by what was then Doctor’s Hospital, Walters State Community College and Douglas Cherokee Economic Authority, where she retired in 1998 as the Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Director.
She found comfort and stability at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ. It was there with her Pentecostal upbringing that she was able to flourish and become an integral part of the religious community in Morristown. She became a licensed missionary and served in various administrative capacities within the Knoxville District and the church at large.
She was a member of The Gospellets, Hamblen County Mass Choir (performed several holidays in “The Living Christmas Tree” at Hillcrest Baptist Church) and The Red Hat Society.
Becoming regionally known for her rendition of “Standing on the Promises.” Vernell, affectionately known as ‘Mimi,” has probably sung in just about every church in Hamblen, Jefferson, Cocke, Grainger counties and beyond. Her smile, presence and humble demeanor created an atmosphere of worship and praise that permeated the heavens. Oh, how the glory of God fell when she sang!
Vernell was a very familiar face with the Hamblen County Election Commission. She looked forward to working the polls every election season at Russellville Elementary School. Mom had a warm smile that made everyone she met feel welcomed. She left a legacy as a true servant of God.
The family would like to thank Pastor James Goins and Abundant Life Church; Pastor Michael (Suzy) Washington, Pastor Natalia Perry and Pastor Justin Graham and The Avenue Church for their love and support during this time of transition.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Dockery-Senter Funeral Home. Home Going Services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow the services at Russellville Cemetery.
Arrangements by Dockery-Senter Funeral Home
