Vernell G. Haire, 71 of Orangeburg, South Carolina departed this life on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg.  Vernell, born December 7, 1944, was the daughter of the late Shelly Grant Sr. and the late Mary Hay Grant.

Vernell was raised in Allendale, SC and received her primary and secondary education in the Allendale public school system.  She was very active while in school, including playing basketball and being named the salutatorian of her graduating class.  She relocated to Orangeburg, SC to pursue her post-secondary education.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and a Master of Education from then South Carolina State College. Vernell believed in continuously learning and gained additional hours that led to a Master's plus 30 designation.

Being influenced by the Christian values instilled in her, Vernell was baptized and became a member of Happy Home Baptist Church in Allendale.  She remained a member of this church until she was married.  After marriage, she joined Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church where she continued her Christian journey and growth.  While at Mt. Pisgah, Vernell participated in various initiatives of the church such as adopting children for Christmas, being an active member of Ward One, the Floral Club and serving as a vacation bible school teacher to name a few.

Vernell served in the educational arena for over 30 years.  Her employments included Manning Head Start Program, Edisto Primary and Whittaker Elementary where she retired.  At Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5, she participated in a host of school, district and state initiatives such as serving as grade level chairperson, she was recognized as teacher of the year twice, and a cooperating teacher for numerous student teachers through the years. After retirement, she worked three years at her alma mater, South Carolina State University at the school her children attended, Felton Laboratory. Throughout her career she had the pleasure and honor of being able to mold the future. During her years of service, she aided in developing character and providing students with the skills they needed to reach their potential and later lead productive lives.  She loved seeing former students in local area stores and hearing about all the accomplishments they had made through the years.

Vernell was an avid reader.  She enjoyed reading devotional and decorating books and magazines.  She loved to cook, try new recipes and watch network cooking shows.   Her favorite movie was the Sound of Music, so much so that she had to have the soundtrack for her wedding.  She loved her family dearly, including reading books and playing with her new granddaughter.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and landscaping outside her home.  She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the St. John Benevolent Society, Barnwell, SC.