Vernelda Dean Korneagay

Reverend Lewis Dean and Mrs. Annie Kate Dean welcomed their eighth child, Vernelda Ann,into the world on November 5, 1952, in Dolomite, Alabama. Vernelda confessed Christ at sixyears old and was baptized into the faith at St. John Baptist Church in Dolomite, Alabama. Sheattended Westfield High School in Westfield, Alabama, and graduated as the valedictorian forthe class of 1971. At the age of 18 years old, she followed in her mother’s footsteps andbecame a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eastern Star - Hagar Chapter #7.On May 22, 1994, Vernelda made history when she became the first woman to deliver a sermonat the oldest Baptist church in Dekalb County, Georgia - Mount Pleasant Baptist Church inDecatur, GA. Her first sermon, which was featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, wasgroundbreaking and titled, “Oh What A Web We Weave When We Practice To Deceive”.Vernelda was a naturally talented seamstress and quilter. She made custom clothing,accessories, and home decor for a variety of people, celebrities, and designers. She preferredto make her own clothes and frequently made and gifted caftans and quilts to her familymembers and friends. Vernelda also enjoyed baking desserts from scratch and was well-knownfor her caramel cakes, pound cakes, and sweet potato pies during the holiday season.God, in His own way, and for His own purpose dispatched a loving angel on Friday, September9, 2022, to bring his child, Reverend Vernelda Dean Korneagay, home after a 5-year battle withend-stage renal disease. Waiting to welcome Vernelda were several of her loved ones includingher parents, Rev. Lewis Dean Sr. and Annie Kate Dean; her brothers Henry Dean, Robert Dean,Stanley Dean, and Lewis Dean Jr.; and her beloved dog Aubie.Vernelda leaves to cherish her many fond memories: her daughter, Lolita Korneagay; her sistersMary Helen Currier (Theodis), Lula Thompson (Arnold), and Sandra Kirkland (Nathaniel); herbrother Eddie Dean (Jill); her dearest friend Brunetta Bolton; and a host of nieces, nephews,and cousins.