Vernice Brown Mcgriff

Vernice McGriff was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, where she grew up as an only child during the challenging Great Depression and Jim Crow era. Despite humble beginnings, she displayed remarkable determination and resilience that would define her life.

At Zion Hill Baptist Church, Vernice served as the organist, where she met her husband, Releford McGriff, forging a bond rooted in faith and shared values.

Vernice's academic and athletic achievements set her apart early on. She graduated from New York University and served as the captain of the NYU fencing team and the first Negro president of the Women's Intercollegiate Fencing Association. She completed graduate studies at the City University of New York - Baruch. For years, Vernice excelled in corporate planning, marketing, product management, and real estate at several companies, including Xerox, Young & Rubicam, RCA Corp, Warner-Lambert Pharmaceutical Co, and Beech-Nut.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, she served as Vice President of her local chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, where she championed urban environmental justice, gender and racial equality, and poverty reduction. Vernice was a trailblazer, long before social media amplified these causes, and she left a lasting impact on her community.

Her commitment to public service and political savviness extended further through her tenure on the Asbury Park Board of Education, where she worked tirelessly to improve education and uplift the city's marginalized community. She also became an active voice in local politics and an elected city council member.

Vernice grew up to become a force, a superwoman, who commanded a room with her beauty and charisma, who demanded respect as a woman of color, and who confidently handled business like a boss (personally and professionally).

Vernice lived a rich and fulfilling life, effortlessly balancing work and play. In her spare time, she found joy in attending Broadway shows, modeling, and watching movies with her grandchildren.

Above all, she enjoyed the beach, which brought her to the Jersey Shore, where she lived for 40 years. Her travels took her to remarkable destinations, including Senegal, Italy, Brazil, and China where she embraced diverse cultures and experiences. Vernice’s love for Aruba was especially significant, and she was honored by Aruba’s Ministry of Tourism as an Ambassador of Goodwill—a testament to her warm spirit and enduring connections.

On Christmas Day, Vernice ascended to a higher realm, leaving behind not only her descendants, but this dynamic legacy. She maintained her fierce and independent personality her entire life, even through racial segregation and oppression, breast cancer, lymphoma, and dementia. She will be remembered fondly by all for her ferocity, world travels, and love of the arts and animals.

Vernice is survived by her daughter Lori James, granddaughters Aiyanna James and Amber James, and many friends and relatives. Services for Vernice will be held privately. All are encouraged to share memories, words, and stories here to celebrate her life.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ.