We honor and celebrate the beautiful life of Vernal Lemon Sr., beloved son of the late Calvin (C.J.) Johnson and Mrs. Yvonette Williams-Lemon.

Vernal was born on September 13, 1949, in Savannah, Georgia. He was educated in the Tattnall County Public School System in Reidsville, Georgia, and proudly graduated from Tattnall County Industrial High School in 1968

After high school, Vernal answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably during the Vietnam War and received numerous accolades for his service. Upon returning home, and with a continued desire to serve, Vernal enlisted in the Air National Guard, serving with the 165th Airborne in Garden City, Georgia.

Vernal worked for many years as a machinist at CertainTeed in Garden City, Georgia, until the
plant closed. He later continued his career with the Savannah Housing Authority, working in the Maintenance Facilities Department.

A man of strong faith, Vernal was ordained as a deacon in 2014 at Thee Living Word Inc. Church in Allenhurst, Georgia, where he faithfully served his church and community.

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Vernal Lemon Sr. entered into eternal peace and rest, surrounded by his loving family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Vernal Lemon Jr. of Savannah, Georgia; his daughter, Dina Lemon-Mack (Gregory) of Greensboro, North Carolina; stepdaughters, Tonya Armstead of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Kimbly Mungin of Charlotte, North
Carolina; seven grandchildren, Ashleasha Lemon of Mebane, North Carolina; Milan Mack and Gavin Mack of Greensboro, North Carolina; Juwan Platt (Maya) of Charlotte, North Carolina; Sheldon Quarterman (Imani) of Atlanta, Georgia; Jalen Shell of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Tiffany Quarterman of Greensboro, North Carolina; and three great-grandchildren, Caden Bailey, Madison Platt, Lincoln Platt, and Avery Darien.

He is also survived by his brothers, Norris (Caroline) Lemon Sr., Calvin Lemon Sr., Leonard (Vanessa) Lemon Sr., William Small, Alvin (Vanessa) Lemon, all of Savannah, Georgia; John Lemon III of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Calvin (“Speedy”) James Jr. of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; his sisters, Qussie Murphy and Cassandra (“Sandy”) Johnson of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; Loretta Gilmore of Augusta, Georgia; and JoAnn Lemon of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; four uncles, Thomas Williams Sr. of Collins, Georgia; Thomas Lemon of Savannah, Georgia; and Harry (Jean) Lemon of Savannah, Georgia; four aunts, Roxanne Carter of
Wilmington, Delaware; Isabelle (Buford) Smith and Gussie Smith of Metter, Georgia; Catherine Greatheart of Savannah, Georgia; and Mae Helen of Collins, Georgia; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family members and friends.

Vernal Lemon, Sr. was preceded in death by his stepfather, John “July” Lemon, and his sisters, Lulu Matherine Lawrence, Paulette Williams Walthour,and a brother Ronald Lemon, Sr.