The family will be receiving visitors at the Bowens Residence at 1109 Dunbar Street Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

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Vernell Chestnut Alston was born to the late Charity Chestnut Spivey and Samuel Vaught on August 12, 1940. And raised by her grandparents William “Bud” Chestnut, Sr. and Emily “Docia” Chestnut, whom she passionately and affectionately called mama and papa. She peacefully transitioned into eternal rest with her Husband, Daughter, Son in love, and Grandchildren by her side on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Vernell was undeniably devoted and committed to providing care of her husband of 53 years, Burnice Lee Alston of Raleigh, NC. Throughout Vernell’s career and life, she was Head Chef at many historical establishments in Horry County including Belle-Terre Golf Course and Club.

She was a loving mother and grandmother who took tremendous pride in protecting her family. She was stern and straightforward, a selfless woman who was the walking word of God. She joined Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church as a child where she served faithfully until her health declined. Serving as a Senior Missionary, President over the cuisine ministry, Senior and Mass Choir member, Vacation Bible School Program Coordinator and Kitchen Manager, cooking and serving God’s love through delicious meals to any and everyone she met. Vernell was also the founding member of the drug and alcohol ministry. Where she served faithfully, providing care for those who were In need of alcohol and drug recovery. Vernell was also a faithful member of Rosebud Tent No. 23.

Vernell is preceded in death by two of her children; Artie Earl Chestnut and Ray Anthony Chestnut, her granddaughter, Misty Brown, and siblings; Emily Howard, James Young, Alton Chestnut, Clara McGruder , Tommy Spivey, and Christine Williams. Also by two of her best friends; Estella Scott and Janet Brown.

She leaves to cherish fond memories and a strong legacy: one son who she truly adored; James Edward Chestnut of Myrtle Beach, SC one daughter, Deshana Alston (Reggie, whom she called her “Son in Love”), of Bowie, MD. ten grandchildren; Tony Brown, Virginia Brown, Jamaal Graham, Byron Graham, James Chestnut, Laquavia Alston, Lakeitha Alston, Shaqueta Alston, and Maliyah Sinclair, ten great-grandchildren, two who she adored and lived with her; Amari and Rhiley Chestnut, seven great-great grandchildren;her siblings; Queen Bowens, Robert Young, Jr., Artie Odom, Geraldine Haskell, Rena Bragg, and Geraldine Odom.

Her surrogate children; Colisha Frasier, Matasha Brown, Monica Brown, and Donald Dionne Brown, Kenneth Grissett, Dorcell Graham, Perry Thomas, and Charles “Bubba” Mitchell, ladies who she considered sisters; Jaqueline Spivey, Vermell Chestnut, Darlene “Dee” Young, Annie Mae Hartfield, Elizabeth “EJ” Tyler, Ernestine Brown, Carol Williams, Rose Mitchell, Lucy Mae Alston, Freda Alston, Louise Alston, Esther Alston. Special nieces; Kasheba Bowens and Kamarra Bowens. She also survives a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and lifelong friends such as Ann Futrell, Margaret Gardener, Florine Cuttino, Evelyn Britton, Daisy Arnold, Deloris Craig, Marie Washington, and many more.