Mother Vernell Staley LaBrew, 80, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at her residence. A native of Aiken, SC, she was the daughter of Kathryn McKie and Blanton Williams, born on Saturday, February 5, 1938. She was educated in the Aiken County, SC School System. Over her career, she worked several jobs, including farm work, housekeeping and child care. In July, 1947, Vernell became a member of the Samaria Baptist Church in SC and served as a faithful member of the Junior Choir and the Usher board and subsequently united with the Bibleway Church and served in multiple offices, including Church Secretary, Sunday School teacher and choir member. She delightfully used her talents to willfully do whatever task she was asked to do. In July of 1964, Vernell met James E. LaBrew and on October 22 of the same year, they were married, and they became the proud parents of a daughter, Joyce Maxine and son, Isadore Leviticus LaBrew.

In 1979, the family relocated to Palatka, FL and continued to work in and with several churches and the Lord truly blessed her. On May 27, 1989, Minister James LaBrew went to his eternal resting place and subsequently she enrolled in the Flagler Career Institute (St. Augustine) and earned certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She initially was employed at the Ponce De Leon Care Center, St. Augustine and later she was employed at Putnam Community Medical Center until retirement. In 2005, Sister LaBrew joined and became a faithful, dedicated member and Missionary of the Palatka House of God Church under the leadership of Bishop Gilbert L. Evans, Jr. She loved her pastor and church and also served as the Noon Day Prayer Band President.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in eternal rest by her stepfather, Lester Staley; sisters, Jenell Randal and Novella Williams; step-brother, Lester Staley, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: son and daughter, Isadore (Sarinaty) LaBrew, Joyce LaBrew; granddaughter, Danielle R. LaBrew; two adopted grandchildren, Kynlee and Tamara LaBrew, all of Palatka; five sisters, Mary Margarett Johnsonville, Hempstead, NY; Valaree Williams, Salley, SC; Alarice Williams Robinson, Columbia, SC; Sarita B. Williams, Wagener, SC; Pamela M. Williams; Williston, SC; five brothers, Jarvis Williams, Orlando; Dwight Williams, Vacaville, CA; Eddie Williams, Salley, SC; Orrin Williams, Wagener, SC; Darryl Williams, Tacoma, WA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; goddaughters, Willie Fuller, Vera Reaves, Justina Mack, and God knows she loved her Super Star, Evan Reynolds; special friends, Sister Francis Tyler, Columbia, SC; Sister Hattie Rogers, East Palatka; Sister Linda McCormick, Sister Evelyn Johnson, Deacon David Johnson; daughters in Christ, Ruth E. Benjamin, Deaconess Patricia Washington, and Sis. Loretha Miller; sons in Christ, Wendell Chester, Kenneth Johnson and Antonio Smith, all of Palatka; special young ladies who were dear to Mother LaBrew, TaCarla Prince, Palatka; Kayla Peeples Nieves, Atlanta, GA; and a host of caring relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be from 3-5 p.m., Saturday, September 15 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be 3 p.m., Sunday, September 16 at The Palatka House of God Church, 723 N. (19th) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Street, Palatka, Bishop Gilbert L. Evans, Jr., Pastor is the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery, Palatka.