Grayson Vernon

Grayson Vernon, age 74, of Portsmouth, Virginia, passed away Tuesday evening, November 4, 2025, at his residence after an extended illness. He was born October 2, 1951, alongside his twin sister Pamela, in Norfolk, Virginia, son of William L. and Mildred A. Vernon. He was surrounded and supported by his family during the last days of his life. Grayson was educated in Norfolk public schools and was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. For most of his life, he resided in Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia. Grayson had a passion for tennis, like his sisters Gloria, Pam, and Yvonne. He was an avid tennis player, competing in various tournaments with the Booker T. Washington Tennis Association and ranking in the top three well into his 30s. In 2008, he began martial arts and earned his yellow belt from Tiger Martial Arts Academy. His passion for sports was passed down to all three of his children, who all played competitively. His daughter Shana played tennis and field hockey in high school; both daughters played softball; Blair played basketball; and his son Dwight played football. During NFL season, he was well known for rooting for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. After high school, Grayson attended Norfolk State University, where he earned a BFA in Graphic Design in 1976. He was a talented artist, skilled in multiple mediums. In 1975, the Board of Directors chose his artwork for the cover of the 9th Annual Black History Seminar program book. Although Grayson did not pursue a career in design, his children were known for having the best art projects in grade school—so professionally done it was a dead giveaway they had help. Grayson was blessed with a son, Dwight, who is his spitting image, and he dearly loved his grandchildren. In 1971, Grayson was employed with the United States Postal Service until his retirement on October 31, 2009. It was there he befriended a co-worker who would become his bride, Sondra L. Williams. Grayson was a very hard worker and advanced in his career to become acting supervisor before his retirement. He performed many roles over his 38-year career and made many friends—some who became close friends and even family, such as his nephew-in-law Fred Metz. Grayson is predeceased by his parents, William L. and Mildred A. Vernon; brothers, William A. Vernon II and Larry Vernon; sister, Gloria Ann Pittman; in-laws, Huddie O. Williams Sr. and Vashtie V. Williams; and brothers-in-law, Cornelius Francis “Frank” Pittman, Gene F. Bell, and Eric D. Williams. Grayson leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 43 years, Sondra L. Vernon; a son, Dwight D. Brown; and two daughters, Blair N. Vernon and Shana B. Vernon. Also left to cherish his memory are four sisters: Rosalyn “Dottie” Bell (Gene) of Virginia Beach, VA; Carolyn Vernon of Norfolk, VA; Delores Yvonne Banks (Willie) of Knoxville, TN; Pamela Green (Ronald) of Norfolk, VA; brother, Trent Vernon (Sharon) of Calverton, MD; brother-in-law, Huddie O. Williams Jr. (Angela); sisters-in-law, Doris V. Dozier and Tamara D. Hardy (Michael); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and friends.

Grayson Vernon

October 2, 1951 - November 4, 2025