Vernell was the second oldest sibling to Curtis Hopkins and Othella Hopkins born on July 15, 1943 in East St. Louis, Illinois. He attended East St. Louis Public Schools. Vernell accepted Christ at St Paul Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. O.B. Rush.

He was affectionately known as Bumble Bee by his family. Vernell was a lifelong resident of East St. Louis, Illinois.

Vernell was a unique kind of person. He worked various jobs in his lifetime including Pepsi Cola and the Race Track. He learned electrical work from his grandfather and later became a licensed electrician. He would take electronics apart to see how they operated.

He loved all types of music and one of his favorite songs was Mustang Sally. Vernell would play and sing this song repeatedly. He would play records on his HiFi and wouldn't allow anyone to touch it.

Vernell transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his memories: Three Brothers: Karel (Idella) Robinson, Inglewood, CA; Curtis "Johnny" (Ann) Hopkins, Seattle, WA; David Hopkins, Seattle, WA; Three Sisters: Marian Wright-Cavitt, Galesburg, IL; Deborah (Vernon) Lowery, East St. Louis, IL and Rhonda Hopkins, Inglewood, CA; One Aunt: Mariah McCarns (Las Vegas, NV); his nephews and nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces; and a host of cousins and friends.