Mr. Vernell Burris Sr., 88, of Centralia passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024, with his family by his side at Cedar Ridge Healthcare Center in Lebanon. He was born on May 30, 1936, the son of Thomas Coleman and Rose Ada Bell Scott, in Centralia, IL. He was united in holy matrimony to June Avis Little on March 15, 1957, in Leystone, England, five children were born to this union.
Survivors that will hold dear memories of Vernell in highest esteem include his beloved children, Vernell Burris Jr. and wife Lourdes Marie of Georgia, Dr. Tracey Ann Burris of Illinois, and Junnell Kendra Hughes of Florida; his precious grandchildren, Justin Edward Hopgood, Jordon Luster, Frederick Luster Jr, Junnell F. Luster, Jaylin J. Luster, Tristan Vernell Burris, Natasha L. Scott, Chanel Burris, Dr. Briana June Burris, TréJon A. Burris, Sebastian Lara Torres, Victor J. Hughes, Miles D. Hughes and Jace M. Hughes; 11 great-grandchildren; twin brother, Cornell Burris and wife Claryce of Indiana; sons-in-law, Frederick Luster of Kentucky, and Troy Hughes of Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Along with the mother of his children, June Burris Jr., Vernell was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Coleman, and Ada Belle Burris; his son, Randolph Burris; his daughter, Gloria Dean Luster; his brother, David Burris and wife Mary Elizabeth.
Mr. Burris was proud to call Centralia his home from childhood. He was an accomplished Orphan and attended Centralia High School. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force. Mr. Burris served his country with honor and pride, retiring from the United States Air Force after 20 years of active service, which included one tour in Vietnam. Vernell, along with his twin brother, Cornell made history as being the first and the last twins to serve their country at the same time in Vietnam. Moving back to his hometown of Centralia in 1972, he attended Kaskaskia College and Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville while raising a family. Vernell wanted his children to experience a solid, nurturing upbringing like he did. An amazingly supportive father, Vernell was an ever-present encourager for his children’s educational accomplishments, and he or June never missed a practice or game their kids participated in. He was a natural leader, a man of integrity, and extremely active in his community. Mr. Burris served on the Marion County Board, was a member of the NAACP, was a faithful member and trustee of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia, was a member of the Centralia VFW Post 2055 and the Centralia American Legion Post 446. Vernell was continually searching for a way to support and make his community a better place to live, and a sound presence in community politics, and he will be remembered and honored as the founder of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Southern Illinois. Retirement allowed Mr. Burris the time to meet his goal of being an entrepreneur, and everyone will remember Vernell as the friendly insurance man. Known as “Grand Dad” to his grandchildren, he appreciated the time spent watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, offering words of wisdom and the gift of his undivided attention to them. Mr. Burris was a man of great faith, he was well respected by all who knew him, and he was generous, never hesitating to lend a helping hand when he saw a need. Vernell was a true gentleman who was a fierce provider and protector for his family, whom he loved with all his heart and his goodness will be remembered throughout each generation.
A celebration of life service will be held at noon. Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Ronald Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia where Military Rites will be accorded by the Centralia VFW Post 2055 and American Legion Post 446. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time to offer support and words of comfort to Mr. Burris’ family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Mr. Burris’ honor to Six Lemons. Online condolences and memories of Mr. Burris may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
