Vernell Lee Cooper is the son of the late William F. Cooper and Ollie Mae Cokley Cooper. He was born April 24, 1960 in Greeleyville, South Carolina. He received his formal education in the Williamsburg County public School System. Graduating from C.E. Murray High School with the class of 1977 where he played the trombone.
Vernell was a faithful member of Mt. Zion AME Church in Greeleyville, SC, where the pastor is Reverend John Taylor.
Vernell leaves to cherish his memory always; two sisters Marjorie Brown of the home and Gwendolyn Robinson of Kingstree, S; one brother Leon Cooper of Greeleyville, SC. Three aunts Carrie Lizzie McFadden of Greeleyville, Laura Cokley of Kingstree and Nora Redden of Florence, two uncles Lee Ellis Cokley of NC and Ardell Cockley (Evoyne) of Thomasville, NC; one nephew he took care of for a long period of time Bryson Sanders along with a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.