First Lady Vernell O. Bellamy

First Lady Vernell Oree Bellamy was born July 29, 1949, in Eastover, SC, beloved daughter of the late Howard Oree and Frances Sumter Simon. Vernell departed this life to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina. 

Vernell was educated in the public schools of Lower Richland County. Affectionately called “Sweetheart” by her loving husband, and “First Lady” by her church family and friends, was a housewife and daycare provider for over 25 years. She was also employed at Fort Jackson as a cook for over seven years.

“First Lady” loved the Lord and was a firm believer of Christ. She was a faithful and devoted Co-Pastor of The Power of Grace Church for over 42 years.

Vernell was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, First Lady and friend who loved shopping and preaching God’s word. She had passion for the church and loved giving unto others. She will be missed by all those whose lives she so lovingly touched. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Paul Oree; and granddaughter, Genevia Nanetta Austin Amaker.

She leaves to cherish fond and precious memories her loving husband, Bishop Eddie Lee Bellamy;  sons, Eddie Brown, and Terry Brown; grandchildren, Elijah Brown, Khloe Symone Prophet-Brown, and Kayce Symia Prophet-Brown; three great-grandchildren, Zamari Shaniece Amaker, Gabriel Quinton Amaker, and Kemani Irie Brazell; caring  brother, Robert (Roz) Sumter and  Lillie Mae Thomas; brothers-in-law, Randy Bellamy, Billy Wayne, Willie Bellamy, and Brian Bellamy; sisters-in-law, Doris Bellamy, Oria Bellamy, Betty Bellamy, and Mary Bellamy;  along with a host of nephews, nieces and other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will dearly miss her, but rejoice that she is resting with the Lord.

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