Vernell Lamonte Taylor was born to Alfred Lee Allen and Shirley Ann Cooper on October 7, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois. Vernell received his primary education from Chicago Public Schools. In April of 2015, he received his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology from Olive Harvey College in Chicago, Illinois. He loved to work on cars and could fix almost any appliance, even the ones he would rigg, such as his cars, so you wouldn’t ask to drive or borrow any of his cars.

At an early age, Vernell professed faith in Christ at Blooming Rose Deliverance Church in Chicago, Illinois, where the late Reverand Solomon Sams, Sr was the Pastor. Vernell was a member of the choir, and the first song that he led was “God is not dead, he’s yet alive.” In February of 1980, the family moved to Decatur, Illinois. The family then joined Community Temple, Church of God in Christ (COGIC), where the late Bishop Willie F. Newbon was the Pastor. Vernell was a choir member and active in the Youth Department.

Vernell loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He enjoyed grilling and would look over your shoulders to see what you were cooking and add spices to your food. He loved baking Butter Cookies, and he left his secret recipe to his Daughter (Amia) and Aunt (Michelle).

Vernell could light up any room, as his smile and laughter were infectious and will forever be a huge memory in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.

Vernell was also known as “Teddy” to his friends. He loved to have a good time, as he was always late and the center of the party. The party didn’t start until he showed up to sing, dance, play music, and play games, which no one wanted to play with him because he would always win without cheating. He always kept a smile on his face. Vernell had a passion for helping people, whether it was food, a place to lie down, a ride to your destination, or whatever you needed. If he had it, it was yours. That’s just how big his heart was. He also had nicknames for his Grandson (Flintstone Feet), Nephews (Igloo) and (Einstein), and Great Nephew (Professor Gigabyte), aka (DC Baby). If you knew Vernell, then you know the jokester that he was. He would make you cry and laugh at the same time, all because he had something to say about you and everybody in the room.

Proceeded him in death: Brother Thomas Allen, Paternal Grandparent: Lazola Dawkins Allen. Maternal Grandparents: William Henry (Ossie)Taylor Sr. and Rosie Lee Murphy Grammie). Stepfather: Bishop Thomas L. Cooper. Vernell leaves to cherish his memory to his Parents: Alfred Allen and Shirley Cooper, and Grandmother: Lucille Jones. Children: Brittany (Timothy) Lynch, Amia Taylor. Special Son: Hakeem Jones. Grandson: Amir Taylor, and Special Grandchildren: Azalea Jones, Kahlani Jones, Jemerion Jones, Hakeem Jones Jr., Kobe Jones, and Alex Jones. Sisters: Renee’ (Michael) Rawls, Wanda Allen, and Toyata (Bernard) Igiri. Brothers: Tremmel Broadwater (Tre’) and Jermaine Allen. Aunts: Ora Lee Smith, Diane (John) Lockhart, Judy Jones, Michelle Miller, Debbie Allen, Sharon (Rodman) Deleveaux, Beverly (Robbie) Austin and Lenora Jones. Uncles: Steve Jones, Jeffery (Crystal) Jones, Marvin Jones, and Joseph Jones. Godfathers: James Cliff and Apostle Mark Henton, Pastor of Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church, Chicago, IL. Special Godmother: Eddie Allen. Special Friend: Darla Houston. Childhood Friend: Shawn William Sr. and Family Friend: Thearthiss Gibson. Host of nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and an abundance of cousins and friends whom he loved dearly.

FOR VERNELL, IT WAS ALWAYS FAMILY OVER EVERYTHING, HE LOVED HIS FAMILY!!!