"God saw the hills were getting hard to climb, so He gently closed your weary eyes and whispered "Peace Be Thine." Mrs. Vernell Black, 89, daughter of the late Sallie Boles Barnwell and Eddie Barnwell, stepped across the threshold of time into eternal rest on Monday, February 27, 2023, in the Pruitt Health Center, Walterboro, SC. Her earthly life began on May 16, 1933, Early Branch, SC. She attended the local schools and matriculated at the Savannah State College, Savannah, GA. In her youthful years, she was united with the Wilkerson Missionary Baptist Church, Early Branch, SC. Mrs. Black lived most of her life in Trenton, New Jersey where she was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church. A dedicated educator she served in school system numerous years. Later, she was employed as certified nursing assistant. In 1969, she was joined in marriage to the late Matthew Black. A "gracious" lady, she was an endearing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and loved one. A well-spent life she has touched many hearts and shall be dearly missed. On this side of eternity, she leaves to celebrate her life and mourn her passing: two sons, Carl Barnwell and Alfred Barnwell, both of Trenton, NJ; two daughters, Cheryl Barnwell of Trenton, NJ and Angela (Alvie) Vereen of Columbia, SC; one sister, Argie Lee Carmichael of Xenia, Ohio; one granddaughter, LaTanya Barnwell of Trenton, NJ; nine grandsons and two granddaughters-in-law, Darryl Brown, Charlotte, NC, Alvie Vereen, III, of Greenville, SC, Alan Vereen, Antonio (Nadia) Vereen, Andrew (Reniah) Vereen, Aaron Vereen, Andre Vereen, Amir Vereen, and Antwan Vereen, all of Columbia, SC; eight great grandchildren, Tantyana Barnwell of Trenton, NJ, Liam Brown of Xenia, Ohio,, Braylen Brown of Charlotte, NC, Josiah Lorick, Andrew Vereen, Jr., Lindsey Vereen, Alaia Vereen, and Aniah Vereen, all of Columbia, SC; great great grandson, Amari Lombardo; a special niece and nephew, Rudene (Nathaniel) Williams, Yemassee, SC; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. Visitation: Friday, March 3, 2023, 5-7 pm in the Chapel of Young Funeral Home, Yemassee, SC. Funeral service: Sat, March 4, 2023, 1:00 pm in the Wilkerson Missionary Baptist Church, 21424 Pocotaligo Rd, Early Branch, SC.

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