Vernon Jerone Harrington

Vernon Jerone Harrington, 60, of Champaign, IL passed away on May 3, 2024 after battling with congestive heart failure.

Vernon was born on October 14, 1963 to Henry and Earnestine Harrington in Humboldt, TN. During his youth, he attended Lane Chapel CME Church. Vernon was a student at the Humboldt High School where he had a profound love for music, which was exemplified through his years of dedication in the band. As a trumpet player for the band, he brought joy and harmony to countless audiences. 

After graduating from high school, he went on to study at the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1987 and earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management. He also completed the requirements of the ROTC program to become a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. As an undergraduate, Vernon was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, the Untouchable Zeta Kappa Chapter, where he served as Polemarch (President) for 2 years.

After leaving Tennessee, Vernon moved to Champaign, Illinois and joined St. Luke CME Church. He served in many capacities such as President for Ministry for Men, Youth Sunday School Teacher, and headed several Outreach Ministries. On March 11th , 2006, Vernon accepted his call into the Ministry and presented his first Sermon on September 16th, 2006. He was admitted on Trial at the Annual Conference of the Southeast, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin Region in August 2009. He was ordained a Traveling Deacon by Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart on July 30, 2010. He was appointed Pastor of Parrish-Stewart CME Church in St. Louis in July 2015. On July 30, 2016, Reverend Harrington was ordained as Traveling Elder by Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. at the Annual Conference. He was granted Full Connection in the CME church in 2018. Vernon’s favorite scripture comes from Psalm 34, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This scripture was so important to him is because when he thought about the things that the Lord had done for him, he was reminded that the Lord is always worthy of his Praise.

Vernon was happily married to Felicia Harrington for 33 years. Together they had 2 daughters, Tiffany and Jasmine Harrington, who he loved both dearly. 

Vernon’s favorite hobby was working in his garden every year at Parkland Community College where he grew a wide range of vegetables for his family and friends. 

Vernon was known as the extrovert out of the group who always had something funny to say to bring to a conversation. He was a helping hand, teacher, and a confidant to many. He loved people, and he loved Jesus. 

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Earnestine Harrington and his older brother, Henry Harrington Jr. (Bubba). 

Vernon is survived by his wife, Felicia Harrington; children, Randi, Tiffany and Jasmine Harrington; siblings, Evelyn Harrington, Carolyn Taylor and Kenya Beverly; granddaughters, Symphoni and Aria Harrington; and, a host of nieces and nephews. 

To be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord. We will always carry your memories in our heart.

A celebration of life will commence at 11:00 am Saturday May 11, 2024 at Salem Baptist Church 500 E. Park St., Champaign. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Humboldt Tennessee.

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