Vernon Leon Sutherland

Vernon Leon Sutherland was born on September 12, 1965, in Owensboro, Kentucky. He transitioned to eternity on November 21, 2021, in Rowlett, Texas.

Affectionately regarded as "Snuffy" by his wife and “Lil Baby”, “Big Vern”, “Vee Dawg”, “Big Vee”, and “Mernie” by family and friends, Vernon graduated from Owensboro Senior High School in 1983. He later enlisted in the United States Navy in 1988 and served until he retired in 2005. After retirement, Vernon worked as a General Manager for U-Haul employing any and everyone that applied for a job. He hired over 13 campus students from church, and he delighted in mentoring and training them. 

Vernon married Arthalia Sutherland; his first-born son, Joseph Sutherland, was born to that union. While stationed in San Francisco, California,  at Treasure Island, Vernon married Alejandra (Trenna) Crater on October 1, 1994. Vernon and Trenna relocated to Texas where they started their life together.  To this union came Treyvon Sutherland, Essence Sutherland, and Trenton Sutherland. The two remained united in love and matrimony for 27 years until his transition, and God blessed them with many friends that changed their lives forever. 

Vernon gave his life to Christ on October 15, 1995, after studying the Bible for three days. He later united with Dallas – Fort Worth Church of Christ. He was baptized and remained a faithful disciple of Christ for over 26 years. Vernon served as a Bible Talk Leader, Usher, and Children’s Ministry Lead Teacher. 

Among many hobbies, Vernon loved playing basketball, golfing, running, listening to old school music, playing spades and dominoes, and most of all spending time with his family. He also delighted in educating youth in the children’s ministry, coaching football, and volunteering at the Thousand Oaks Ranch Church Camp. Vernon will be fondly remembered for his loyal, ineffable, humble, intelligent, diligent, joyful, and God-fearing nature. His loving spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  

Vernon was preceded in death by his father, Joe Billy Tutt. Those left to cherish precious memories include his loving wife, Alejandra "Trenna" Sutherland; children - Joseph Sutherland, Treyvon Sutherland, Essence Sutherland, and Trenton Sutherland; grandchildren - Joseph Sutherland II, Treyvon Sutherland II, Heaven Sutherland, and Leia Sutherland who is expected to arrive soon; mother, Diane Tutt; mother-in-law, Velma Fisher; brothers - Robert Sutherland (Pam), Andre Tutt (Onisha), and Joseph Tutt (Kristen); brothers-in-law, Swat Jackson and Andrew Crater; sister-in-law, Anne Crater; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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