Vernisha Jerrels

Ms. Vernisha Rose Jerrels (White), age 79 years, of Haslett, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at McLaren Greater Lansing. She was born to Tommie L. White Sr. and Evelena White on Wednesday, February 20, 1946, in Shelby, North Carolina. She was the first daughter of this union and grew up surrounded by love and family.

Along with her family, Vernisha later relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where her mother came in contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Vernisha enthusiastically shared in this faith and often assisted her mother in Bible study along with her younger brothers and sisters, cultivating a strong spiritual foundation that guided her throughout her life.

After graduating from Sexton High School, Vernisha married Elbert Nickles, and to this union, their beloved daughter Allesha was born. Family remained at the heart of everything Vernisha did, and she found joy in caring for those around her and offering kindness and encouragement to all who knew her.

Her education led her to Lansing Community College and Davenport College, where she received numerous certifications in Education, Data Processing, and Suicide Intervention.

Vernisha will certainly be missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched. Her faith, love, humor, and determination continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.

She leaves to cherish in her loving memory her daughter, Allesha, and grandson, Darius (Brooklyn), with his brothers, Darryl Jr. and Julius Morris. Vernisha is also survived by her brother, Tom L. (Esther) White of Warren, Michigan; sister-in-law, Irene James of Lansing, Michigan; and brother-in-law, Karl Smith of Harrison, Michigan. Also mourning her loss are her nephews, Woodie Jr, Reggie, Andrew, Stephen (Tara), and Brandon, as well as a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, and dear friends, Donnie Richardson and AB.

Vernisha was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Brenda Jean, Alice, Barbara, and brother, Woodrow Sr.