In Loving Memory

A celebration of a Life Well-Lived

VERNELL MARIE BARBER

6 June 1940 - 17 July 2025

It is with deep sorrow and fond remembrance that we mark the passing of a beloved individual whose presence graced the lives of family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know her.  As we gather our thoughts and memories, we honor a life characterized by kindness, integrity, and a quiet strength that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

A Life of Meaning

Born into a world constantly changing, Vernell Marie navigated life’s joys and challenges with a steadfast spirit and an open heart. From her birth on June 6, 1940 in Allendale, SC as the third child born to Curtis Bell Hayes Sr. and Helen (Thompson) Hayes she took on any challenge that came her way.  She was a graduate of Butler High School (Barnwell, SC), class of 1958.  Vernell exhibited a boundless curiosity, a love for learning, and a generous nature that would soon become the hallmark of her character. Her curiosity and wonderment lead her to travel throughout the United States until she found herself in Jacksonville, Florida living with her oldest brother Curtis Jr. and his family.  She acquired a position as a Nurse’s Aide.  This gave her some satisfaction until she decided to switch career paths and became a Process Engineer with Westinghouse Systems.  During her tenure at Westinghouse, she was responsible for the creation and repairs of system membrane parts.  After twenty (20) years of dedicated service to Westinghouse, she decided to retire.  She loved this new phase of her life, and she was able to enjoy more time and special moments with her husband Willie (Turk) Barber, her sons and grandchildren.

Whether it was the classroom, the workplace, or the community, she enriched the lives of others with her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

She is preceded in death by her husband Willie Eugene Barber (Orlando, Florida), parents Curtis Bell Hayes Sr. and Helen (Thompson) Hayes (Barnwell, SC), her siblings Frances (Hayes) Brown (Philadelphia, PA), Curtis Hayes Jr (Evelyn) (Jacksonville, Florida), John Bell Hayes (Evelyn) (Camden, New Jersey), Mary Hayes (Barnwell, SC), and Frankie Lee Hayes (Charlottee, NC).