Vernell W. Jackson

The wake and prayer service for Vernell will be on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Saint Michael Recreation Center with the rosary beginning at 7pm.

The procession to Saint Michael will leave at 4pm from the City Plaza parking lot in Devils Lake.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 10 am, burial will be at a later date.

Vernell Wilfred Jackson, 36, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025 at his home in Saint Michael with his loving family by his side.

Vernell was the son of and raised by John Sherman and Patricia Jackson, and Jeanetta Jackson. He was born on February 7, 1989 in Devils Lake. He grew up on the Spirit Lake Nation and graduated from Warwick High School in 2008. During his younger years, he would travel along with John and Patty and younger brother, Kyle to various states for Johns work they got to explore a lot. He loved to play basketball in high school, earning many awards throughout the years. He was very active in sports growing up, he also enjoyed softball and horseshoes. During his senior year, he had the opportunity to play in the Down Under basketball tournament traveling to Hawaii, New York City, and Australia. 

Later on, he and his younger brothers would form a men’s basketball team called Hoka Hey. He and his brothers would travel around the state to play in basketball tournaments. During the summer months, Vernell traveled to play in various horseshoe tournaments and played in men’s softball league with War Party. He also participated in co-ed softball tournaments when he got the chance. 

In 2010, Vernell had his first daughter Julissa. He then met Brittany Cook and had three more daughters, Khloe, Paityn, and Kaidence. In 2019, he met Trinity Littleghost and had four children; Kaiden, Kaelynn, Patricia “baby Patty” and Cleo. Vernell was also uncle to many nieces and nephews. He along with his brothers loved to stay active with all the kids playing kickball, basketball, and baseball with them at “Grandma Doris” house. Vernell loved his children and was proud of them all. Vernell enjoyed spending time with his children and family, often playing “654” or horseshoes and cornhole with his brothers and cousins. 

Vernell is survived by his mother, Jeanetta Jackson. father John Sherman. His children; Julissa, Khloe, Paityn, Kaidence, Kaiden, Kaelynn, Patrica “baby Patty”, and Cleo Jackson. His brothers, Kyle (Hillary) Ironhawk and his children Kylen, Ariya, Tatum and Abel. Mathias Jackson. Anthony Ironhawk and his daughter Ahburey. Shandy (Kristi) Brown and his children Zaelynn, Theo, Olivia and Avaya. Sisters, Challsey Ironhawk and her children Chaz, Chance, and Chayston. Merranda Ironhawk. Mary (Derrick) Jackson. Grandmothers, Doris Longie and Ester Ironhawk. Aunts, Brenda Jackson, Cheryl Ironhawk, Dawn (Pernell) Ironhawk, Lorna (Delmer) Youngbird, Marty Jackson, Rose Lebeau, and Merle Botone. Uncles, Victor (Bernadine) Jackson Sr and Deryk (Shamoo) Ironhawk. Special friend, Trinity Littleghost. Godmother, Clarice Lawrence. God daughters Kaylean and Kassa Lohnes. And many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Vernell is preceded in death by son, Vernell Jackson Jr. Mom, Patricia Jackson. Grandfathers, Wilfred Jackson and Ambrose “Buddy” Longie. Aunt, Sandy Jackson. Sisters, Lauren and Meryl Ironhawk. Cousins, Wayne Littleghost and Dancia Jackson and his longtime friends Joe & Michael Peterson.

Pallbearers: Kyle Ironhawk, Anthony Ironhawk, Mathias Jackson, Shandy Brown, Dorvan McKay Jr., Daniel Many Ribs Jr., Fabian Lohnes and Jason Alberts Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers: Brittany Cook, Victor Jackson, Brandon Jackson, Raven Whitetail, Ivory Black and family, Iris Black, Evie McDonald and family, Warwick Class of 2008; Elton Demarce, Marshall Demarce, Dion Peterson, Bobbiette Littleghost, Stephen Cloud, Val George Merrick, Brett Yankton, Richard Demarce Jr., Claude Black Jr., Sam Merrick, Trenda Littleghost, Heather Jackson, Dawn Jackson, Kaylean Lohnes, Littlewind Family, Belgarde Family, Owlboy family, Lorna Youngbird and family, Marty Jackson and family, Rena Lohnes and family, Kara Longie, Inez “Frankie” Chaske, Bobbielou Littleghost, Mark Fassett Jr., Renae Bear and family, Lora Bear and family, Diane Jackson and family, Darcie Delorme and family, Lonna Street and family, Karen Jackson and family, Duane Jackson Jr. and family, Duane Jackson, Traci Owlboy, Peter Owlboy Sr., Alfreda Dunn, Catalina Herman, Roberta Dunn, Alma GoodIron and family, Tom and Lori Robertson, Carol Black and family, Jake Lenoir, Joseph Little, Tina Georgeson and family, Mitchell Owlboy, DeLaPaz Family, John Jetty, Ashton Littleghost, Debbie Little, Lisa Burdick, Brooke and Justin Yankton family, Craig and Punky Brown and family, Melvin Langstaff Jr., Donna and Cody Graywater, Robert Little, Alley Little, Austin Longie, Anthony Thompson, Robert Lawrence, Anissa RedTomahawk, Johanna Hunt and family, Sandy Joramo, Nick Joramo, Gail Jackson, Courtney Jackson, Christian LeBeau, Briar LeBeau and War Party softball team, Warwick Public School, Spirit Lake EMS. Please know we did not mean to leave anyone out, we are grateful for all of Vernell’s friends.

A special thank you to the Red River Valley Hospice for Vernell’s comfort and support; also Father Paul Schuster, Clarice and Josie Lawrence, and Renita Shaw for your prayers and support of the family.