Verlena M. Jones-Mickens

December 26, 1991 - June 9, 2022

Verlena Muriel Mickens, was born December 26, 1990, in Memphis, Tennessee to Ray Lewis (deceased) and Muriel Jones. She transitioned from this life on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. Growing up in Memphis, in a home where she was the younger of two sisters, Verlena was loved and adored. She accepted the Messiah and was baptized as a child. Verlena kept the Sabbath, and was a member of Breath of Life Seventh Day Adventist Church and Brit Hadasha Messianic Synagogue. She always looked forward to keeping the feast days, especially Feast of Tabernacles and Passover, where she praise danced with many other dancers. As a 2009 graduate of Hamilton High School, Verlena attended LeMoyne-Owen College, Empire Beauty School and Remington College. She ultimately received Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist Certifications in 2018, and worked as a health care worker for Stellar Home Health Care Agency. She also previously worked for Federal Express Corporation. Always rescuing animals, Verlena had a particular affinity for cats and dogs, however, she also cared for guinea pigs, snakes, and rabbits. She had many other passions and interests that she took delight in, including singing, playing guitar, keyboard and drums. She liked camping, cake decorating and sewing as well. A very creative person, Verlena braided and twisted hair, and once made a beaded wedding gown by hand. A talented artist, she appreciated art and spent time sketching, painting on canvas and had recently started painting tennis shoes as a hobby. Her main role in life was that of the doting mother of her seven children. Talking about her “kids” was her primary preoccupation. Verlena loved her children very much and reflections of her sacrifice can be seen in each one. Her beautiful voice of praise to God can be heard in their voices and her optimism can be sensed in their spirits. She imparted so much in her children that is good and lasting, and the traces of which can already be seen. They brought her so much joy. They were her life. Memories of Verlena’s life will be cherished by her loving mother, Muriel Jones of Memphis, TN; her adoring children who will continue her legacy, Lena, Brandon, Gabriel, Michael, Timothy Jr., Leia, and Xina; her special nephew Matthew Jones. She also leaves two sisters, Catherine Marie Johnson of Buffalo, NY, Juli Lewis of Memphis, TN; aunts Rhonda White, Denise Lewis and Elaine Lewis all of Memphis, TN, Emma Lewis Nash of Water Valley, MS; four Uncles, Vernon Jones, Ira Lewis, Donald Lewis, and Spencer Lewis all of Memphis, TN. Additionally, she leaves great aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of loving relatives and beloved friends. All will truly miss her.