Vernice Lou “Tunkey” Green-Wilson was born a twin on July 30, 1956, in Bamberg, SC, and left a profound impact on all those who knew her. Affectionately called “Tunkey” by her family and “Granny” by her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was the cherished daughter of the late Melvin Mozon and Madge Virginia Mingo. Raised in the warmth of the Gant family home in Brooklyn and Jamaica, NY, Vernice was surrounded by love from an early age.

At a young age, she married her soulmate, the late Stebia “Stevie” Wilson, with whom she shared a remarkable 40 years filled with love and companionship until his passing in 2015. Together, they created a nurturing family, welcoming two children: Rev. Lisa M. Way and Mr. Stevie Wilson.

Vernice's generous spirit and kindness touched the lives of many. She was the type of person who would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need. Family was everything to her, and she treasured her relationships with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her bond with her daughter was especially profound; they were true partners in life. Even in her final days, surrounded by the love of her family, she found comfort at home, with her devoted daughter caring for her and her twin sister, Bernice, offering steadfast support during this sensitive time.

Throughout her life, Vernice dedicated herself to serving her community across Colleton and Bamberg counties, taking on various roles as a housekeeper, cashier, cook, and seamstress. She retired in 2018 from Ginn Enterprises, where she formed deep connections with many, including Bobby and Michele Ginn, who became like family to her.

Vernice received her education in the public schools of New York City, attending PS 80 for elementary school, Schlesinger Junior High School, and Springfield High School. Known for her love of cooking, her biscuits were the stuff of legends, bringing joy to many gatherings.

Her spiritual journey began early when she joined St. Luke United Methodist Church, and in later years, she embraced a personal relationship with the Lord, often sharing that building this faith was the most meaningful step of her life. As she prepared to transition to eternity, she remained steadfast in her belief, trusting in God's plan. After a brief illness, Vernice departed this world peacefully on November 27, 2024, enveloped in the love of her family.

Vernice was preceded in death by her husband, Stebia Wilson; her parents, Melvin and Madge Mingo; her adoptive parents, Warren and Annie Lee Gant; her in-laws, James and Nancy Wilson; her grandparents, Edgar and Elise Green; aunts Estelle, Edna, Barbara, and Gloria; uncles Bill Truman, Lawrence, Peter “Peaches,” Chubby, and Edgar Jr.; two brothers, Melvin and Joe Mingo; two grandchildren, Ajalyn and Stevie Wilson; a great-grandchild, Heaven Wrice; a sister-in-law, Verdia Mae Crawford, who was like a sister; and a brother-in-law, James Richard Wilson, who was like a brother.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories to her daughter, Rev. Lisa M. (Stacey) Way of Walterboro, SC; her son, Stevie Wilson (Gina) of Columbia, SC; a special niece who was like a daughter, Temeca (Terry) Lawton-Jones of Bamberg, SC; a dear daughter in spirit, Theresa Gantt of Greenville, SC; and six grandchildren: Shandell Way of Walterboro, SC; Stacey Way-Richardson of Bronx, NY; Lisa Shanice (James) Wrice of Summerville, SC; Treveonte Wilson of Bamberg, SC; Genesis Wilson of Greenville, SC; and Paris “PJ” Goodwin of Columbia, SC. She also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Zaniyah, Jayden, Za'Mani, James, Zion, Zakiyah, Zuri, Neveah, DeAsia, Londyn, and Kaison. Additionally, she is survived by two loving sisters: her twin, Bernice (James) Moore of Brooklyn, NY, and Brenda Green of Padgettes, SC; two brothers, John (Lavette) Mingo of Bamberg, SC, and David (Elizabeth) Mingo of Branchville, SC; two caring aunts: Christine (Wally) Fowler of Brooklyn, NY, and Christine Green of Lodge, SC; her in-laws, who were like sisters and brothers to her: Ruth Titus of High Point, NC; Dorothy Kearse of Ehrhardt, SC; Elders William “Mookie” (Rosa) Wilson of Columbia, SC; Collis Wilson of Ehrhardt, SC; Daniel Wilson (Benison Chilsom) of Ruffin, SC; John (Vanessa) Wilson of Bamberg, SC; Philip (Natalie) Wilson of Columbia, SC; Vivian (William) Branch of Bamberg, SC; Marilyn Elaine (Paul) Winbush of Ehrhardt, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Vernice’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, kindness, and faith, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.