Vernon Ethelston Lee, 96, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away the evening of Monday, December 4, 2023 at the Port Charlotte Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

He was born on September 29, 1927 to Halstine Lee and Theodorea Minott in Portland, Jamaica, W.I. Vernon grew up in Drapers and Fairy Hill, Jamaica. As a boy, he enjoyed fishing at the Blue Hole, picking coconuts and using a sling shot to hunt for birds. At the age of 18, Vernon moved to Kingston, Jamaica to live with his aunt, Beatrice Minott. He attended mechanical school but stopped as he found it to be work that was too dirty for him. This caused him to become an apprentice tailor, which was instrumental in his becoming the sharp dresser that he was. Also, in Jamaica, Vernon went on to work at Lenard Deco Aviva Hardware and Lumber. It was in Jamaica that he met and married Matilda Stone. The in 1969 they migrated to the United States and settled in Hackensack, New Jersey where he was employed with Teaneck Public Works and Reed-Lane Pharmaceuticals. After Vernon retired, they moved to Charlotte County, Florida where they lived together until Matilda passed away on November 25, 2015.

Vernon was preceded in death by his daughter, Charmain; son, Halstein (Bunny); sister, Mary; niece, Claire and his beloved wife, Matilda. He leaves to cherish his memory, his sons, Ransford and Carlton; daughter, Jennifer; niece, Audrey; nephew, Ralph; life long friend, Doris Fleming; caregivers, Valrose and Basil Tomlinson; several grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.

A visitation will be held 10:00AM – 11:00AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00AM on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel. Interment will follow to Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Port Charlotte, FL.

Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.