Mr. Vernon Thurmond Cockerham was born in Winston-Salem, NC on October 15, 1939 eight minutes earlier than his twin sister, Verleria, to Thurmond and Mattie Pauline Cockerham. At the age of 82, Vernon joined our loving and divine Savior on January 7, 2022.

During his early life, Vernon attended Pleasant Union Primitive Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Later, as an adult Vernon joined First Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully and played pipe organ for the senior choir.

Vernon graduated from Atkins High School in Winston-Salem, NC. He attended Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, OH for four years and graduated with a degree in music, piano, and voice. Afterwards, he came to Detroit, Michigan where he was employed by the school system as a music teacher. He was in charge of teaching choir. He taught elementary school for a few years, then he was transferred to Murphy Junior High School for the remainder of his career. He was employed by the school system for 30 years.

Upon retiring, Vernon was back up singer for groups and taught singers of duet groups. About 10 years ago, Vernon's health began to decline. He needed someone with him at all times. Walter McMillian became Vernon's caregiver and cared for him until he passed.

Vernon was preceded in death by his sister, Verleria (David) Butler; brother, Curtis (Ann) Cockerham; and nephew, Armand Martin.

He leaves behind one sister, Connie (Tommie, II "Pal") Martin; six nephews, Tommie Martin, III, Gregory Allen Martin, Darrell Butler, Damon Butler, Corey Cockerham, and Shaun Cockerham; several great nephews and nieces: Tommie Martin, IV, Benjamin Butler, Oliver Butler, Miles Butler, Declan Butler, Galen Butler, Armand, II Martin, and Arnanda Martin.

Public viewing for Mr. Cockerham will be Friday, February 4, 2022 from 12:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be private. Interment Oaklawn Memorial Garden.