CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR CHRISTINE ELIZABETH VERNON BRINKLEY

In the early hours of Saturday, April 24, 2021, God sent an Angel to bring another Angel home. This Angel's name was Christine Elizabeth Vernon Brinkley.

Christine was born to the late Edward Lee Vernon, Sr. and Lucille Vernon (Smith) on April 1, 1944.

At an early age, Christine was baptized and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She loved Jesus which was evident by the love she exhibited to all and her numerous years of faithful service doing His work.

Christine was a remarkable woman of God who faithfully served on the Gleaner Ministry for over 40 years, and an active member of the Cancer Awareness Ministry at Ivy Baptist Church.

Christine worked for many years at Gloria's Manufacturing Company as a Seamstress in the early 1970s.

In April 1977, she secured a position at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company as a Fitter in the X11 Department. Several years later, she was blessed with another position as a Drawings Clerk in the O14 Department. She retired in October 2007 from Newport News Shipbuilding after over 30 years of service.

In addition to her parents, Christine was also predeceased by a beloved sister, Lucille V. Gibbs.

On November 15, 1992, God united Christine and Eddie W. Brinkley in holy matrimony. They were married for 28 years, but spent over 30 years together loving and caring for each other.

Christine was a loving and devoted mother to her two children, grandchildren and great-grandson.Christine leaves beautiful memories to her daughter, Michelle S. Powell (Darrell) and her son, Michael T. Slade; her grandchildren, Eryka C. Powell and Darrell C. Powell, Jr.; and her beloved great-grandson, Justin C. Banks, Jr., who affectionally referred to her as "GG".

She is also survived by sisters, Barbara Y. Haynes, Martha J. Harrell (Howard), Esther Foster, Elnora Vernon, and Deborah Vernon-Swift; and her only brother, Edward Lee Vernon, Jr (Gwendolyn).
In addition, Christine is survived by two step-children, Vonda Brewington and Todd Brinkley and three step-grandchildren.

Christine will be sorely missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She will be missed by her only living aunt, Alice Armistead. In addition, to a special uncle, William Vernon, affectionally referred to as "Uncle Haywood" and his wife Aunt Lorraine who have always been there for Christine, her sisters, brother and her entire family.

Per her request there will be no public viewing or visitation.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 AM on Monday, May 3, 2021 at Ivy Baptist Church, 50 Maple Avenue, Newport News. Burial will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.

Arrangments by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.