Alfredia "Vernell" Ladson was born on May 14, 1954, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Mary Lee Ladson and the late John Arthur Gilliard. She was raised on Sol Legare Road on James Island, where the rhythm of the island, the strength of her community, and the closeness of family shaped her early life. She began her education at W. Gresham Meggett School, a historic all- Black school on James Island during segregation, and later attended Baxter Patrick Elementary School. At the age of thirteen, her life's journey carried her north to New York with her cousin Ethel Clark and late aunt Irene Sanders, who helped raise her into adulthood. There she continued her education and graduated from Freeport High School in 1973. Rooted in Gullah Geechee heritage and embracing Caribbean culture, Vernell carried both legacy and joy. She held strong to where she came from while fully embracing every space she encountered. New York became home, but Brooklyn became her heartbeat. It was there she met Edgar Wallace Sr. and raised their children, Shaunte, Edgar Jr., and Syid. Vernell was a devoted and intentional mother who instilled structure, independence, and purpose in her children, while building a life grounded in strength, discipline, and love. Vernell loved Brooklyn. The energy, the people, the sound. She carried that same bold, vibrant, and unapologetic spirit in all that she did. She was outspoken, honest, and full of life, never afraid to say what needed to be said, and always standing firm in who she was.She worked for the Department of Education for many years until her health no longer permitted. Her work reflected her consistency, care, and commitment to others. Vernell found joy in gathering with family and friends. She loved good food, laughter, and music; especially reggae and soca. She wore her African attire with pride and was known for celebrating life in meaningful ways, never missing a birthday and always making others feel seen and valued. She also enjoyed spending time with Yani (Ayana Akinsle of Brooklyn, New York) who was like a granddaughter to her. From the shores of Sol Legare to the streets of Brooklyn, Vernell lived a life that was full, steady, and true to form. Her voice, her laughter, and her presence will live on through the family she raised and the many lives she touched. She leaves to cherish her memory: her mother, Mary Lee Ladson of Charleston, South Carolina; her children, Shaunte' Ladson Jones (the late Gerald Elliott Jones) of Freeport, New York, Edgar Wallace Jr., and Syid Ladson of Brooklyn, New York; her siblings, Cynthia Ladson, Tony Ladson (Valerie), Ronald Ladson (Dominique), Brenda Ladson, all of Charleston, South Carolina; Venetia Ladson-Jenkins (Leroy) of Columbia, South Carolina; Fredrick Gadsden, and Kendria Gailliard, of Charleston, South Carolina; and Lawrence Gilliard (Carolyn) of Jacksonville, Florida; her special aunt, Florence White of Sol Legare, South Carolina; her godson, Deon Ladson of Charleston, South Carolina; her goddaughters, Dawn Wickham of Brooklyn, New York and Jamilah Palmer of Atlanta, Georgia; her special friend, Diana Comvalius of West Hempstead, New York; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, John Arthur Gilliard, grandparents, and a host of aunts and uncles

"We ain' los' she—she jus' gone home.

De love she lef' wid we gwine carry on, from generation to generation." - unknown

Alfredia "Vernell" Ladson's story is not just one life remembered, it is a thread in the rich, unbroken fabric of the Gullah Geechee people, where memory, land, family, and spirit are woven together and carried forward.