Vernetta Louise Lewis was born to Robert Lee Lewis and Veda Armildred Johnson on August 13, 1934, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She entered into eternal rest on December 23, 2024.

Raised in the loving care of her precious grandmother, Edith Mason, in the West End, Vernetta was nurtured with scripture and prayer and began teaching Sunday School at age fifteen. Supported by her uncle, Edward Mason, Sr., she graduated from Woodward High School in 1952. She went on to take night classes at The University of Cincinnati and Xavier University studying Industrial Psychology and Contemporary Social Problems. Vernetta retired with commendations as a vocational counselor in 1994 from the Ohio Bureau of Employment after 30 years of service. She continued working as an Instructional Assistant for Cincinnati Public Schools until 2005.

In 1966, Vernetta joined The Greater Liberty Missionary Baptist Church of which she was a committed member until her death. She was passionate about the Word and her hope in God and faith in Jesus Christ were always on her lips. During her 58 years as a member, she served in many roles including Vacation Bible School, Noon Day Bible Study, singles and women's ministry teacher, youth ministry, Rites of Passage and Gladiolas leader, and special event speaker. Vernetta was well-known for imparting powerful prologues for the music ministry, exhorting listeners to hear the lyrics and apply the truth to their lives. She also narrated The Bells of Liberty Gospel Chorus live recording and traveled the city introducing musical selections for Message men's chorus. Vernetta is most remembered as a devoted Sunday School teacher, instructing multiple generations of students for 70 years about the power of prayer and the importance of trusting God. When not in the classroom or at the podium, she could be found on a church pew admonishing parents to bring their (grand)children to church.

Though Vernetta did not bear children of her own, she was proud of her family and became like a mother to several close friends and a spiritual mother to many. Her love of others came in many forms - a phone call, a card or gift, or perhaps a firm tap on the shoulder and a reminder to "Stay focused!" or "Trust God!" Dear longtime friends, Sarah Blunt, Joann Rakestraw and classmate, Blanche Castleberry all know deep bonds of friendship, love, and support from Vernetta. She enjoyed being with her family and friends, whether it was enjoying a meal or hosting a gathering, especially Christmas at her home. She absolutely loved all types of games and kept closets full, always eager to play. God allowed Vernetta to encourage people wherever she was, offering words of humor, truth, and wisdom or lifting them up in prayer.

Vernetta was preceded in death by her grandmother and parents; older brother, Clarence Lewis; beloved uncle and aunt, Edward and Dolores Mason, and cherished cousin, Edward Leroy Mason. She leaves to carry on her legacy of faith: nieces, Roseshawona Williams and Katya Williams; nephews, Robert Lewis (Savannah) and Edward T.C. Lewis; cousins, Yolanda Norman (Kim), Shannon Mason, Adria Maples (Douglas), Jovan Mason, and Erin Phillips (William); surrogate son, Benny Miles (Carol), twelve godchildren, grand nieces and grand nephews, additional cousins, many treasured friends, former students, and church family.