Vernell Patillo

Vernell Benton Patillo, was born on September 3, 1945, in Southampton County, Virginia to Johnie Jackson Benton and Virgie Mae Benton. She peacefully transitioned on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at her home surrounded by family and friends. She lived 74 years of a blessed life. Vernell started her educational journey in Southampton County schools where she was the salutatorian of her high school class. She then graduated from Norfolk State University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Virginia State University where she received a Master’s degree in Math. After her college education, she knew she wanted to be an educator. She was a math educator for over 35 years and also served as the Mathematics Department Chair in several schools. She worked for Chesapeake Public Schools, Norfolk Public Schools, Portsmouth Public Schools, Tidewater Community College, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, and Norfolk State University, not to mention the “college of Vernell” for the many that sat around her dining room table hoping to pass their math courses. Vernell was truly a compassionate and caring leader and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for 53 years. She was initiated in the Epsilon Theta Chapter at Norfolk State University in 1966. She was a member of Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of DST where she served as chapter President for two terms, 1988-1990 and 1998-2000, Chair of the May Week Committee, Delta Academy, and most recently served as a co-chairperson for the 70th Anniversary Committee in 2013. Vernell was a faithful member of St. Paul Catholic Church for over 40 years. She attended church regularly and worked diligently to serve the Lord. She started out teaching religious education classes (Sunday School). She was a part of the Haiti Ministries and served on the Parish Council. She was a Lector and a Eucharistic minister who also served the sick and homebound. Vernell was a loving mother, doting grandmother and friend to many. She often cooked and hosted gatherings for friends and family. She sat on many bleachers and in many auditoriums watching her kids and grandkids play sports, dance and cheer. She tried to make every event including academic ceremonies, holiday programs, and graduations. Vernell is predeceased by her parents Johnie and Virgie Benton, her siblings Marian Dawson (Thomas) and Deborah Benton, as well as her husband Charles Edward Patillo Jr. To cherish her memory she leaves her three children Charles Lawrence Patillo (Crystal), Craig Jerome Patillo, and Jacquelyn Patillo Herndon; six grandchildren, Chelsea Patillo, Craig Patillo Jr. (Ruby), KeSean Patillo, Cameron Patillo, Nevaeh Leigh Patillo Herndon, Toney Alexander Lee Herndon; five siblings, Johnie Benton, Jesse Benton (Norma Jean), Brenda Saunders, Edith Benton, Duncan Benton and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Vernell Patillo

September 3, 1945 - February 23, 2020