Vernon Stephens Family Assistance Fund
Donation protected
Vernon Maurice Stephens, a husband, father, son, brother, and friend passed away on Friday, April 11, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. He leaves behind a wife, Andrea, and two young children Skyla (10) and Vernon Campbell (6).
Vernon was heading to meet friends when his vehicle broke down on the Mathew's Bridge. Shortly after breaking down, Vernon's vehicle was struck and he was propelled over the railing and knocked into the water. After an intense search, family and friends from across the country gathered in an effort to search and show support scouring the St. Johns River hoping to find Vernon. Vernon's body was discovered by a fisherman at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2014, three miles from the accident site.
Vernon, a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta and Andrea, a graduate of Auburn University and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. would have celebrated 11 years of marriage on May 3, 2014. Over the last two years, Vernon has been the sole breadwinner for his household as his wife Andrea pursued a degree in nursing. She recently graduated Valedictorian of her class and had just started a new job one week prior to this unfortunate accident.
Vernon is an amazing father and his children adore him. The light from his smile is reflected in theirs, and his chest would burst with pride at even the smallest of achievements. Vernon consistently challenged his children to be better, do better, and think bigger. Through Skyla and Campbell (Camp as we call him) his legacy will continue because he has laid the foundations of self-awareness, family, kindness and community within them. Although they are sure to mourn the passing of their father we will not let his spirit fade.
We are asking for donations to help support Vernon's wife and children with funeral costs as well as any other financial needs. We thank you for your love and support.
Vernon was heading to meet friends when his vehicle broke down on the Mathew's Bridge. Shortly after breaking down, Vernon's vehicle was struck and he was propelled over the railing and knocked into the water. After an intense search, family and friends from across the country gathered in an effort to search and show support scouring the St. Johns River hoping to find Vernon. Vernon's body was discovered by a fisherman at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2014, three miles from the accident site.
Vernon, a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta and Andrea, a graduate of Auburn University and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. would have celebrated 11 years of marriage on May 3, 2014. Over the last two years, Vernon has been the sole breadwinner for his household as his wife Andrea pursued a degree in nursing. She recently graduated Valedictorian of her class and had just started a new job one week prior to this unfortunate accident.
Vernon is an amazing father and his children adore him. The light from his smile is reflected in theirs, and his chest would burst with pride at even the smallest of achievements. Vernon consistently challenged his children to be better, do better, and think bigger. Through Skyla and Campbell (Camp as we call him) his legacy will continue because he has laid the foundations of self-awareness, family, kindness and community within them. Although they are sure to mourn the passing of their father we will not let his spirit fade.
We are asking for donations to help support Vernon's wife and children with funeral costs as well as any other financial needs. We thank you for your love and support.
Organizer
Arin L. Johnson
Organizer
Jacksonville, FL