Vernell Sublett

Vernell graduated from J.J. Rhoads High School at the age of 16. She then enrolled at Jarvis Christian College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Early in her career, she taught school at her alma mater in Daingerfield. In the years that followed, she served as an dedicated educator both in public and private schools in Dallas, continuing to encourage and value education even after retirement.

Vernell married Elmer Gene Sublett on May 28, 1954. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, sister-in law, grandmother, aunt and friend. Vernell loved fishing, and in her later years when she was no longer able to go, she would fondly talk about how much she wished she could sit by her brother’s pond and fish. She also loved gardening and had a green thumb. Vernell would raise a garden in her back yard and grow the most beautiful ivy plants inside.

Vernell was preceded in death by her parents, Lura and Ida Mae Lewis; husband Elmer Gene Sublett; son, Dr. Fredrekia Lewis MD; sister, Unidell Gordon, and brother, Joe Lewis.

On February 11, 2026, Vernell Lewis Sublett entered into eternal rest. She leaves to cherish her memories: brother, Monzell Lewis (Buddy); sister-in law, Yvonne Lewis; daughter-in-law, Gwen Lewis; four grandchildren, Jamal Lewis (Joy), Latif Lewis, Ida Huldeen (Butch), and Afton Shroeder (Nic); six great grandchildren, Milah, Makai, Samara, Simone, Cassian, and Deaken; the family of the late Elmer Sublett (Happy); a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.