Vernell Green

Vernell Addie Green, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, closed her eyes for a more abundant life with her Lord on May 15, 2020 - early Friday morning in the hospital. She was born on September 10, 1936 to the late Laura Spriggs and Joe Bennett, in Bertie County, North Carolina. She was the second eldest of seventeen children, 6 girls and 11 boys. MATRIARCH - Vernell was the matriarch of the Spivey and her Church Family and loved by everyone. Her mantra in life was, "Is there anything too hard for God." She displayed this by releasing all of her struggles to God and sharing her happiness and laughter with everyone. She made you laugh in practically all situations, even during her failing health. It is unfortunate that we all feel that today's health crisis denied our Matriarch from receiving the respectful fathering of family during and after her demise. However, what will matter is not how many people fathered, but how many will feel a lasting loss now that she's gone. What will matter is not Vernell's memories, but the memories that live in those who loved her. What really mattered to Vernell Addie Green was not success, but her significance to others and the Lord. Vernell and her family moved to Baltimore, Maryland when she was 3 years old. She was raised in the South Baltimore area and received her education in the Baltimore City Public School System. Early in life she accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. During her early adulthood, she was joined in holy matrimony to the late John Green, Jr. and was blessed to raise 7 children; Kevin, Desiree, Andrea, Michelle, Darrell and Darren (twins) and Kimberly. Vernell worked for Bickfords Restaurant for 10 years as a waitress, where she encountered all types of people in the downtown courthouse area. She and her family enjoyed her generous tips and gifts, especially during the holidays. Later, she was employed for a short while, before permanently returning home as a homemaker to her children. THE DIVA ADE - Vernell was a very loving, kind, supportive and free-spirited person. She managed to overcome all of her obstacles and struggles, while raising 7 children as a single parent. Anyone who landed on her door step in need of help was welcomed into her home. Her house became the neighborhood fun-cool house of refuge on Woodland Avenue, even her nieces and nephews would always visit during summer months. She loved her children dearly and did all that she could possibly do for them and the grand and great grandchildren. Vernell raised her nephew, Irving, as a son after the passing of her sister, Theresa (Bey Bey). In return for how she raised them all, Vernall's children spoiled her as though she was Mrs. Chancellor on her favorite soap opera, "The Young and the Restless." Her family made sure her hair and nails were always done and the girls kept her fashion up to par. She would transform into her fabulous and diva persona, "Ade" and if you called her by her middle name Addie, she would proudly tell you-"It's Ade." She attended many concerts with Darrell at Pier 6 and the Baltimore Arena - Charlie Wilson, Anita Baker and Stevie Wonder, just to name a few. Later in life, Vernell lived with her youngest child Kim, until she moved into an independent development. Michelle and her mother talked on the phone all the time and Michelle continued the conversations at the hospital during her frequent visits. Vernell was truly loved by all of her family. Mother Green's, as she was affectionately called at church, first love was worshiping Christ. Her Christian faith was nurtured for more than 40 years at Love, Faith and Deliverance Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Jimmy Smith and followed by the late Elder David Hatchet. Later, she was recognized as Sr. Mother Green and was considered one of the founders of the restructured House of Refuge International under the Pastorate of Corey Hatchet Sr. Mother Green was the temple cleaner, member of the building fund, and proudest of the position working for Outreach Ministry; mainly "Soul Winning" (recruiting people outside of church to be baptized, saved and delivered). Mother Green received an award for recruiting the majority of the "Soul Winning" members. Vernell, Ade' or Mother Green's legacy is reflected by her unconditional love, dedication to her family and desire to help others. Although her body failed, her convictions never changed as she continually thanked and praised God for His boundless mercy. MOURNERS - She will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew her, but the memory of her kind and warm spirit will remain. Vernell is now in her transition journey to be welcomed by the Lord, parents, 3 children, Kevin, Desiree and Dwayne; 1 grandson, Dante; 2 great-grandchildren, Darren Jr. and Juda; 12 siblings, Lamont Zation, Stacey, David, Zachary, Timothy, Dwayne, Leon, Theresa, Hortense, Gloria and Shirley; relatives and friends on the other side. She leaves to celebrate her life: her 5 children, Andrea Long, Cassandra Steward (William), Darrell Green, Kimberly Dixon (Butchie) and Irving; 12 grandchildren, Lee (Doublemeat), Barry, Davon, Kiayonta, Desiree', Richard, Marcus, Sade', Ceceila, Gregory, Dallas and Iyaniah; 18 great grandchildren, Michelle, Kyrell, Arielle, Leaira, Ashley, Dante, Brandon, Imyari, Kimora, Darren III, Arrion, Darrion, Alasia, DaJuan, Jaylen, Jordan, Ka'Lee and Porter; 1 ister, Claudia Black (Jerome); 3 brothers, Alvin Spivey, Bishop Maurice Williams (Sheila) and Rodney Williams (Darlene); sister-in-law, Rhoda Ford; and a host of nieces, (Minister Cheryl Black), nephews, cousins, 2 devoted lifetime friends, Debbie and Margie, Pastor Corey Hatchet Sr. and Tanya Hatchet, church family and friends.

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Vernell Green

September 10, 1936 - May 15, 2020