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Vernon had just returned from the 30-year reunion, the first he had attended. His wife, Jane, stated he was thrilled he had come to it. Vernon, a talented artist and one of the two fastest milers (track & field) Roswell High ever produced, was still active in running. He had been fighting a cold or flu but he and his wife still went for a jog. When they returned, the phone was ringing so she dashed in the house to answer while Vernon stayed on the front steps to catch his breath. When she returned, she found him unconscious. Vernon's widow felt it must have been the medication the physician prescribed that caused the fatal heart attack. Vernon was a great guy loved and respected by all. In his adult life, he was a fantastic artist. If you google "Lawhorn Art," you will find out much about Vernon and his loving widow, Jane.
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Beatriz Valadez (Ferreira)
I was so fortunate to see Vernon at our 30 year reunion. I had not seen Vernon in 30 years. He looked as handsome as ever. I still remember him running through our neighborhood. He lived just in the next block. His father was a minister of the African-American church in our neighborhood. Sometimes he stopped by my house, we would sit on the front porch of my house at 1412 Poplar in Roswell and catch up on sports, he on his track and I on my gymnastic. We both drew and Vernon always said she would be a famous artist. We were good friends. After our 30 year celebration at the Sally Port Inn, we headed to my sister's home (Elena Valadez de Velasquez now a city councilwoman serving Roswell). Cecil Thrower, Vernon's buddy joined us. Vernon had several copies of his original paintings. He rolled them out. I was so impressed. I now have four of his pieces. My sister has a couple. We had so much fun that night, laughing about the "good ole' days" and catching up on all we had done. I learned both of his parents were gone and so was his younger brother. Interestingly, we both married people from England. Although his wife, Jane, did not make it to the reunion, 3 weeks after that great evening I would meet her by phone. Cecil would call one of the law firms in Las Cruces and would leave a voice mail. Though it was not my Law Firm, the legal secretary had taken Cecil's message and phone number. I thought it curious that Cecil would be calling as he had never called before. His message asked that I call him as he had something very important to tell me. I called immediately and received the shocking news. My friend was gone. It had happened so suddenly. I would not see him again. Cecil gave me Jane's phone number. I called her immediately and she told me how it happened. We talked about Vernon's upcoming Art Exhibition in Atlanta. How hard it was for her. How she missed him. How we needed to question doctor's presecibed medication, especially if they don't "feel right" as it had happened with Vernon. Though emotionally devastated, ultimately, Jane thought it best to continue showing Vernon's works. I agreed. I miss him and I miss our high school sports chats.
Laurie Anne Shuey (Andersen)
Cecil Thrower, who now lives in the DFW area, proudly displays Vernon's work in his home. Vernon was a very accomplished artist. Can we display one of his works on this site in memory of him?