Ms. Vernell "Peke" Barnum was born December 29, 1949, to the late Robert Lee Barnum, Sr., and the late Lillie Mae Kimbrough Barnum. Vernell, along with her parents and four siblings relocated from Shellman, GA, to Tampa, FL, where they resided in the Sulphur Springs Community, for many years. Later, they would relocate to the Georgia Terrace Community. Ms. Barnum was educated in the public schools of Randolph and Hillsborough County, and she graduated from Middleton High School, class of 1967. She was employed by the Department of Revenue and retired after 35 plus years of service.

She was preceded in death by her: father, Robert Lee Barnum, Sr, and mother, Lillie Mae Kimbrough Barnum; brother, Luther Gene Barnum; nephew, Thaddeus Barnum; and niece, Angalia Tabor.

Vernell leaves to cherish her precious memories: son, Keith Barnum, Sr. (Tarsha); 2 raised as sons, grandson/son, Keith Barnum, Jr. (Doreka), and nephew/son, Winston Johnson; 6 grandchildren, Keith Barnum, Jr. (Doreka), Chris Gaines (Kim), Chelsea, Keon, Kobe, and Neah Barnum; 9 great-grandchildren, Kairee Barnum, Cayden and Kenzie Gaines, Khilyn , Kaleb, Keith III, Khloe, Kiauna, and Kayson Barnum; brothers, Robert Lee Barnum, Jr. (Sarah) and Joel Barnum (Doris); sister, Mildred Williams (Frank), special nieces, Teri Judge Taylor (Terrell) and Lisa Davis; nieces and nephews, Luther Barnum, Jr. (Colette), Michael Lucas, Antonio Braxton (Kim), Pastor Kaleb D. Barnum (Dawn), Kim Williams, Sheri Judge, Dedric Barnum and Nicole Smith (Damon); god-daughters, NaShae Waltower and Ashanti Simon; best friend, Shirley Ford; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Calling/Visitation Hours
Friday, May 24, 2024
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
New Salem M.B. Church
8525 N. 78th Street
Tampa, FL 33637

Funeral Service
Saturday, May 25, 2024
10:30 AM
New Salem Missionary Baptist Church
8525 N 78th Street
Tampa, FL 33637

Burial
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery
4615 E. Hanna Ave.
Tampa, FL 33610