Vernice Green

Vernice Green, affectionately called "Green" by family, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on April 12, 1927, to parents, Dennis Pipkin and Minnie Davis Pipkin. Vernice was the youngest child born of this union. She had two brothers, Joseph and Harvey; and two sisters, Dennie Lee and Hazel. Her sister, Dennie Lee remembers Vernice as being her best friend and younger sister. Dennie Lee said, "Vernice was kind, loving, caring, and ready to help when needed. I will always remember and love her for the care she gave our mother." In 1943, at the age of 16, Vernice graduated from Central Colored High School in Shreveport. Shortly after graduating, her father and brother, Joseph, left Louisiana in search of greater opportunities with the railroads in Denver, Colorado. The remaining Pipkin family soon followed, leaving Louisiana behind. It was in Denver that she met and married the love of her life, Thomas A. Green. To this union, three children were born, Barbara, Alvin and Marvin "Baye". Vernice and Thomas were both members of Macedonia Baptist Church in Denver. They shared a loving and full life together with their three children until Thomas' premature passing in 1965. As a devoted wife, after her husband's death, Vernice never even dated another man, remaining a widow until her death. Her children remember her as a very protective and disciplinary mother; yet, a very loving mother. She always provided exceptional care for her children being both mother and father to them. Left to raise her children alone, she began working for the Red Cross, where she was an After Duty Caseworker. She would assist individuals, families and military service members throughout the night hours get the emergency assistance they required. Before retiring from the Red Cross, Vernice began caring for children in her home. It was in childcare that her greatest gift was revealed; as there is no greater service than to care for another. She provided exemplary care to dozens of children for various families, including her own, until her health would no longer allow her to. Yet, her love continued on as she maintained communication and relationships throughout the years with the now grown "children" and their parents. For instance, with the family of Jim and Laura Abrams, a bond was established with Vernice's family that remained even after she stopped caring for their children. To this day, Vernice's family embraces the Abrams as part of their own family. Family was Vernice's greatest joy. She was a proud and loving grandmother. Her grandchildren call her "Green" and her great-grandchildren call her "Granny." She loved laughing and being around family and looked forward to any occasion that would unite them all. Fondest memories are Christmas Eve celebrations held at her home each year, when she would shower everyone with gifts and when it was her turn to open gifts, she would be so thrilled to open the gifts that were marked "From Vernice to Green," as she acted completely surprised by the gifts she had purchased for herself. Her family would just laugh to see her excitement. Family was paramount to Vernice. She was truly the Matriarch of the family in every sense. Vernice enjoyed watching her favorite television shows, doing word puzzles, spending time with loved ones and rooting for her beloved Denver Broncos. Just before her death, she was looking forward to watching them play in Super Bowl 50. Vernice was a kind, quiet, gentle, fair and compassionate woman with an infectious laugh. She was slow to anger and always offered sound advice. Although she was the baby of her siblings, often times it was her that they sought for direction. During her recent hospital stay, many would comment on how she was always smiling, even when she didn't feel good. She would always say, "I'm too blessed to be stressed" and would go on to mention that no matter what, God would always find a way to make sure that she had what she needed even though at times it would seem like she couldn't make it, a way was always made. Her love, care, laugh, open arms, and optimism will greatly be missed by all that were blessed to know her. Vernice was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Green; her son, Alvin Green; her parents, Dennis and Minnie Pipkin; her sister, Hazel Jones; her brothers, Joseph Pipkin and Harvey Pipkin; and her granddaughter, Angelia "Angie" Woodard-Green. Vernice Green was called home to Glory on the morning of Thursday, February 4, 2016. "We all loved her but God loves her best." Left to cherish her memory are her children, Barbara Smith (Billy) of Denver, CO and Marvin "Baye" Green of Denver, CO; her sister, Dennie Lee of Denver, CO; her 12 grandchildren, Laura Mayfield of Denver, CO, Tanisha Presley (Anthony "Tony" Sr.) of Denver, CO; Adrienne Woods of Las Vegas, NV; Mandisa Perry of Denver, CO; Thalamus Woods of Denver, CO; Ja'Net Hurt (James)of Denver, CO; Siselah Woods of Aurora, CO; Shantell Massinburg of Arvada, CO; Monique Hyche (Jason King) of Denver, CO; Monai Green of Denver, CO; Ishawn Green of Denver, CO; Kaylah Green of Denver, CO. Her 13 great-grandchildren, Jalon Coston of McGuire AFB, NJ; Jaurdane Perry-Woods of Denver, CO; Aaron Perry of Denver, CO; Abrian Tatum of Aurora, CO; James Hurt II of Denver, CO; Noah King of Denver, CO; Anthony Presley Jr. of Denver, CO; Andre Presley of Denver, CO; Jaaziah Hurt of Denver, CO; Jaiden Green of Denver, CO; Najee King of Denver, CO; Amina Ddungu of Aurora, CO; Love Woods of Denver, CO; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, friends, and many other children and grandchildren in love.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 2/12/2016 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 2/13/2016 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 2/13/2016 - Following the Service Highland Cemetery - 10201 Grant Street Thornton, CO
Family Gathering: 2/13/2016 - Following the Interment. Pipkin Braswell Reception Center - 2428 Ogden Street, Denver, CO