Vernadres Lula (Pressley) Gallo'n

“I expect to pass through the world but once; therefore any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show to anyone, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Mrs. Vernadres Lula Gallón (maiden name Pressley) was born on December 11, 1945 in Kingstree, South Carolina to the late Mrs. Lula Pressley and Mr. Wigg Pressley Jr.  She was married to Sanjwelo Gallón II for 47 years before his passing.

Vernadres received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Glassboro State College in Glassboro, New Jersey.  She continued her education at University of Cincinnati where she received her Masters of Education in Counseling.  Upon receiving her master’s degree she worked as a family counselor, rehabilitation counselor and resocialization counselor. After this work she continued to have a variety of jobs including owning her own daycare.

Throughout her life Vernadres served her community and her family.  She was a member of St. Clare parish for 28 years. At church she served on the bereavement committee, helped out with fish fries, made rosaries, volunteered at Feast of Love and any other position she was needed. Affectionately known as “grandma” (and sometimes mom) by many students, children and adults, she was a teacher, counselor and a great resource to others in her personal and professional life.  She served friends, family and even strangers with food, advice and love.  There are countless churches, agencies, non-profits and other community entities that she served over the years with her time and talents.

Vernadres greatly valued education for herself and her family and was willing to sacrifice with her late husband, Sanjwelo, to make sure her daughters and grandchildren had the best education.  As a trained teacher, she would fill evenings and weekends with supplemental worksheets, fieldtrips and experiments. She not only taught her own two daughters and grandchildren, but also had no qualms of teaching strangers in the grocery store, a church function or wherever the opportunity arose.

Growing up she worked as a farm hand picking tobacco and cotton. In her younger years, she enjoyed fixing cars with her brother, singing in the choir, playing basketball, and cooking with her sisters and mother. In her adult years, she enjoyed sowing, cooking, arts and crafts, reading and gardening.  In fact, she was known to stop her car by the side of the road and pull flowers anytime she saw an interesting plant that she did not have! She could bring plants back from the brink of death. Her daughter, Esperanza, frequently brought her own dying plants to her mother’s “plant hospital”.   She was a fierce protector of her children and family and had a knack for reaching people especially those considered unreachable.  Her willingness to encourage others, her strong faith in God and the power of prayer, her stories, ingenuity, delicious meals and smile will be missed.

Some of the deceased loved ones she joins in heaven are: Sanjwelo Gallón II (husband), Mary Dell McQuilla (sister), Willie James Pressley (brother), June Pressley (brother) and James Pressley (brother)

Loved ones left to cherish her beautiful memories are: Sanjwelo (Sandy) Gallón III (stepson), Sanadra Pierce (daughter), Esperanza Gallón (daughter), Jackie, Chris, Justin, Junior, Elijah, Ibrahim (grandchildren), Flossie McGee (cousin), Leroy Crosby (cousin) Geneva Oliver (sister), and Julia Strong (sister); a host of great grandchildren, cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, beloved relatives and dear friends.

Aim for the top of the tree even if you don't know how to climb because if you have a dream to get to the top you will find a way to get there, even if it takes a lifetime.  Always take someone with you because you would need someone to talk to when you get to the top. –Vernadres Gallón

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Friday, November 16, 2018, at the St. Clare Church,  1443 Cedar Avenue , Cincinnati  (45224).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am.

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Walker Funeral Home, 1025 E. McMillan Street, Cincinnati (45206)  is serving the  Gallon family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.

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