GMF joins the gospel community in mourning the unexpected passing of musician, songwriter, and worship leader Elder Vernon Chappel, who transitioned this morning, January 27. He was 56 years old.
Chappel was known throughout the United States and abroad for his music ministry and has been described as “a contemporary gospel vocalist with the soul of Thomas Whitfield and the energetic flair of Milton Biggham and Timothy Wright.” His compositions have been recorded by a host of artists who include Dorothy Norwood, Joe Pace and Colorado Mass, and Beverly Crawford (who made his “Jehovah, We Praise You” a hugely popular worship song).
Though a native of California, for the past several years Chappel resided in NC and served as Music Pastor at The River Church, Inc. in Durham. Upon learning of his passing, Sheryl Brady, founding pastor of The River, commented via Twitter, “One of the GREATEST men in my life went home to be with the Lord. Elder Vernon Chappel was my hero. Help us Jesus!”
GMF extends its sincerest sympathy to Chappel’s family, to his many friends, and to all whom he mentored during his 35-plus years in ministry.
As relayed by Mylum Nicholson, celebration services are planned for both the West and East Coast.
West Coast
Musical
Friday, February 8, 2013
6 PM
Homegoing Service
Saturday, February 9, 2013
11 AM
Both the musical and homegoing service will take place at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1401 E. Brundage Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93307.
Interment
Wasco Cemetery
300 Leonard Ave.
Wasco, CA 93280
East Coast
Raleigh-Durham Memorial Service
Friday, February 15, 2013
7 PM
Wake Chapel Church
3805 Tarheel Road
Raleigh, NC 27604
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
I had no idea that Mr chapel passed,His ministry ushered us to God's Presence,It's been over 24 years since I witnessed him in Bakersfield California,but I will always remember him .
Vernon Chappel left his mark on the world and a lasting legacy through his music. We are so fortunate to have been blessed to know him as he passed this way.
I extend my heart felt sympathies to Vernon's Family in Wasco; my thoughts and love are with you all. I am at a lose for words in knowing that my friend and brother has gone home. However, I am comforted in knowing that we shall see him again in that great gettin-up morning. We sang and served together on this side, but I know he is resting now in the presence of the one whom he loved and worshiped with his whole heart and soul.
We will miss you Vernon; rest on dear soldier, one day we'll see you again.
Pastor M. Green,
Second Baptist Church, Fowler, CA
My prayers go out to the Chappel family. I remember Vernon's cooking; the brother could cook. I'm also indebted to Vernon for taking time out over 7 years ago, to assist me in the developement of DisciplesWay's praise and team, to this day, because of Vernon I have a deeper understand of worship and praise…Thank you brother my your reward be great.
He was one of the many examples God used to point us to Himself. Vernon was truly God's property. A selfless man who didn't mind sharing the gift God gave him with others. He was a true example of how we're to live for God. Souled out!! No matter what. Vernon Chappel was souled out to God!! God's word tells us that the death of a saint is sweet.
May God strengthen those who have been touch by this wonderful gift God shared with us. Vernon is rejoicing with the God he loved to sing about. He knew and loved God. We'll see him again. I know I will.
my prayers go out to the Chappel family everyone who has known vernon in his short life are in shock his classmates and friends in Wasco, Ca. have gone through the can't believes to the remember whens this young man walked the walk and talked the talk and was loved by everyone for it In wasco the name Chappel means a wonderful family who makes beautiful music and have a great fellowship with God.I was so amazed at all the things he had done in his short life and all the things he still wanted to do. He is in heaven now singing in the heavnly choir and we are all left behind with heavey hearts Rest In Peace Vernon Rest In Peace
Vernon God knows best even when we dont fully understand and to just think that we just saw you in November and had the time of our lives,your god-daughter is heart broken but was glad you got to see her once again.
We tahnk God that our paths have crossed and that you made a mark in our lives and this world that can not be erase,rest on my brother and my friend and we will see you in the morning when we get home.
Love always
Deacon Duane P. & Shirlene Santucci
Agape Faith Kingdom Ministries(Bermuda)
Amber'Rose Santucci(godaughter)
RIP Vernon Chappel!! You were and always will be a bright light for God!! You were the same person in Wasco and school as you were an adult. Working for God and always smiling. You will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loved you. 2 Cor. 5:8- We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. You made it home, joined by all of your loved ones. We are all striving to make heaven our home. You are now Heaven's Choir Director! You will be gone from this earth but not from our hearts! You are loved, Brother Vernon!
The McGehee's
Wasco, Ca
Elder Vernon! We just text each other on January 10th and your last words to me were Complete Healing! I praise God for God's anointing that was on your life. You drove from North Carolina to Maryland to mentor the Praise Team at Love Fellowship Christian Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Betty L. Steele i Clinton, Maryland. We will miss your support smile and hugs. Your Legacy will live on in our hearts!
My best friend on this planet…Had just spoken to him several times last week. My heart bleeds. Rest on, Poppa!
Min. Christopher Tate