Son of Ralph Utley and Vevelyn Favors, left this earth on the morning of Sunday, September 26, 2004 and will be laid to rest on Monday, October 4, at 11 a.m. in Burke County, GA, at Bottsford Spring Missionary Baptist Church. Initial arrangements handled by McGUIRE FUNERAL SERVICE of Washington, D.C. Please direct flowers, cards and sentiments to C.A. Reid, Sr. Memorial Funeral Home, 314-A Laney Walker Blvd. Ext., Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 724-7594.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brittany Dean
April 22, 2005
I'm very sorry to hear of your passing, and my sympathy goes to your children, family, and friends. I never got the chance to thank you for helping me to make a hard decision. I didn't appreciate your opinion at that time, but now I guess God was using you to get a message across, and for that I'm very grateful. May your soul forever rest in peace.
Akia Embry
April 2, 2005
Vertez I still can not believe you are gone because I still feel your spirit and your wonderful smile radiating from heaven. Proverbs 3:5 says it all, so I know that you are with God. What a journey you have taken. Howard U. would not have been the same without you! Thank you for all the laughs and all the great advice you gave me. Now the angels will have the pleasure of your company, as we all enjoyed and celebrate you. God Bless all of Vert's family and friends, he was truly a good man.
Nisan Stewart
March 12, 2005
Vertez,
Who would have thought the road would end this way. It has taken me months to come to grips with your death and I am still having a hard time coping. When Christian asks where his daddy is I try to fight the tears and be strong. However, often times I break down. It's amazing how as human being we take for granted the gift of life. When we lose people who are dear to us, we then think of the regrets. Vertez, Christian and I will truly miss you. I thank God for the progress we made in the end. I just wish we hadn't wasted so much time. Thank you for watching over our son. I know you are really proud of him. The memories of the past will forever live in our hearts.
Love,
Nisan and Christian
Mecole Ingram
January 26, 2005
I send my deepest sympathy to the Utley family. I will always remember the fun times, laughs, the jokes, the smile that Vertez would always have on his face. We have been friends since HU and got to be better friends when we worked in Rockville. Vert, you will be truly missed! The Essence Festival won't be the same.
Gina, I know it has been a very, very long time since I last talked to you, but if you need anything let me know.
Luv always,
Mecole Ingram
Yvonne Hicks
November 9, 2004
Dear Ralph and Utley family--
I remember how nice Vert has been to me whenever I would see him. His wonderful spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Memories are special ways of keeping loved ones near. Ever close in mind and heart are the ones we hold most dear. My prayers are with you and your-- today and always.
Love, Hicks and family
Stacey Olivache
October 31, 2004
I have tried to put off writing this for as long as I could. I still can’t believe that you are gone. The strange thing is I did what you would have done before writing anything, read what everyone else wrote. And as I suspected you have touched many people. I wish your family the strength to carry on in this difficult time. But more importantly I pray for the strength needed so that the mothers of your sons and daughter can continue to raise strong, god loving individuals.
You have truly been a great friend to me. Our friendship can never be replaced, but filled with memories that will last an eternity. Although the reality of you not being here still has not hit me yet, you are and will always be missed. Keep an eye out for me, for you and your family are in my prayers.
lois/pat williams
October 27, 2004
I love you and I will miss you greatly. May god Bless the love ones you left behind. My daughter adores you.
Love you Pat
Elaina Diggs
October 26, 2004
Vertez,
You will truly be missed. As much as we would love to have you still here, I know Heaven is loving you more. Until we meet again. From your almost inlaws - The Diggs
Gina,
I know you feel like you have lost the love of your life, but I want you to know that he will always be in your heart and he left you a piece of him as a reminder. I will always be here to help you and support you during this tough time and God wants you to know you can lean on him. Love you sister, Lannie.
Adrian Fullwood
October 22, 2004
I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Vertez Utley. I didn't know him personally, but I do know Regina. Regina, I'm here if you need anything and hold on to GODS unchanging hand. He will get you through this. I love you. Call me.
Angela Byrd
October 19, 2004
Our blood line said you were my cousin but my heart line said you were my brother. Who could forget all the times we argued about sitting in the front seat or all the fun we had when we were growing up?
Sometimes, when God tries to tell you something and you refuse to listen, He gets tired of talking directly to you and He decides to send His message through someone else--someone close to you. I feel that you were the vehicle for the message God was trying to get me to hear.
I hate that it had to happen this way, but your death was not in vain. I don't have to say much because you know what I'm talking about. But I will say that I miss you dearly and hate the fact that I missed so much time with you. I am literally heartbroken over losing you.
When things happen that we don't understand, it is not our place to ask "why", but to accept the hand that we are dealt and move on. Your passing has made me realize exactly how important family is and that no matter what, we have to stick together. I will try my best to accept that fact that you are no longer here and to move on. But please know that you are always in my heart and I will hold on to the precious memories we shared as children.
I love you little brother, and I will see you on the other side one day.
Angela
annie cooper
October 14, 2004
vertez i'm going to miss you very much.you will always be in my heart. sometimes in school i just sit in class and think about you.i will represent chuckie to the fullest.r.i.p. i love you so much i'll see you soon
Shawn Stallworth
October 12, 2004
Vert,
You were one of my closest friends. Since the days on Harvard Street we've been tight, and no one can ever take those memories from me. We all miss you dawg, and I will never, ever forget you. Keep an eye out for the boys, because you know we need it. Gina, if you ever need anything at all, we got you.
I miss you dawg. See you soon.
Shawn
Gaynell Bonner
October 12, 2004
Ralph, and the Utley family,
With Deepest Sympathy, with loving thought as this very difficult time, May you feel comfort from those around you.
Oh! there is never sorrow of heart that shall lack a timely end, if but to God we turn, and ask of Him to be our friend.
YOUR SISTER IN CHRIST
Mattie Polk
October 12, 2004
Ralph,
Sorry to hear the loss of your son.
My prayers are with you and your family.
May god bless you all.
Mattie (former neighbor 15th ave.)
Terrence Shepherd
October 11, 2004
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends.
Vert, My Dawg. This is a sad time in many people's lives. You have been a good friend for the last 10 years. I was very privileged to have you a Gina bring in the New Year with me and Tanisha. I wish everything would have gone the way we planed. At this time I now know that I have a Angle looking over me from Heaven. I know that we had a lot of plans to start our own business. Now that you have passed on I will continue our plans in your name. Vert, now all I ask for you to do is to look over me and the rest of the Harvard St. Club House. And my Dawg I will miss you, and I will see you on the other side.
P.S. Gina If there is anything you ever need please contact me or any of the fellas. And Vert do not worry we will always be there to help the kids.
Luv Your Boy,
Terrence Shepherd
LADONNA GORDON-BATES
October 9, 2004
THE FAVORS AND STEPHENS FAMILIES MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN YOUR DARK HOUR OF SORROW.GOD WILL BRING YOU MUCH NEEDED COMFORT,AND PACE TO YOUR HEARTS.
LADONNA GORDON-BATES
October 9, 2004
RALPH UTLEY AND FAMILY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND COMFORT YOU AND BRING YOUR HEARTS PACE IN THE MIST OF THE STORM.
Desmond Wise
October 8, 2004
To the Utley family and friends, I send my deepest condolences. I have only known Vert for a brief two years, but in this short time he has taught me so much about life. It is still hard to write this, but I am trying everyday to "hold it down". To the family you raised one amazing son who became a good father and friend. He once told me that when people pass away young/early it is simply because God needed more angels! May God bless your entire family!
Jack Medeiros
October 7, 2004
My deepest condolences to the Utley family. Vertez I will miss you greatly, your infectious laugh and constant smile made my days brighter. You were a true friend and I will miss you always.
Keisha Foxx
October 6, 2004
Vert, It has taken me days to do this because it is still so unreal to me that you have moved on. However, I have found comfort in knowing and understanding that you have moved on to a better place. The memories of the 4 years of our lives that we shared together will always be tucked away in my heart forever. Nobody but you, me and God will ever know or understand how special those years were. I know I will see you again; until then, I will miss you, but you will forever be in my thoughts and prayer, on my mind and in my heart. R.I.P. Vertez. Love Keisha.
To the Utley and Favors Family, I am so sorry that you had to experience such a great loss. Vert was one of a kind...there will never be another like him. I know you have many good memories of him and that is truly a blessing in itself. God sent for an angel that he knew could and would do the best job of helping him watch over us to keep us safe from harm. Always remember I will keep you all in my prayers. May God Bless You.
Tina Mack
October 6, 2004
The Road of life
For Vert:
God is building the road of Life for Us
For every child, woman, and man
All the good and bad paved into your destiny
That can not be altered in plan
Some stretch from horizon to horizon
Some stretch from shore to shore
Some are shorter than we had plan
Loved ones wishing that there could be more
We travel this world together
But one trip is always made alone
The place you will rest forever
At the end of that road is your home
God’s open arms are waiting for you
All along he stayed by your side
I know the trip was good for you, because you have already arrived.
Tina
Valeria Day
October 6, 2004
Vert,
I tried to do this last night and for some reason it didn't post, so please forgive me if you see more than one entry from me.
I came to know you thru my cousin Marva and then when you got to Howard we developed a friendship of our own. I will never forget those crazy phone conversations that we used to have or the times that Kelli and I came to hang out with you between classes.
The last time that we saw eachother we spoke about how I found out that you had a son. That was such a funny day my girls and I were just talking about all the people we knew that were having kids and Keante mentioned Michelle and said what she was going to name her son. All I could do was laugh and of course they thought that I was crazy then I said Vert went to school with Marva in Augusta. How small the world is.
I want you to know that even though you are gone from this life we all have you in our hearts. Your number will continue to be in my phone so that I will always have you with me.
I know that when the time is right we will meet again.
Until then know that you are always here with me. You were a wonderful friend and I will never forget that.
Love,
Valeria
Adam Blyden
October 5, 2004
Vert,
Thanks for 12years of true friendship. Alot in my life would not be in place if it was not for you, alot is missing without you. Many dont know alot that you have done to help others. The personality you had lit the lives of many. You are truely the little man with the BIG HEART. I will always love you for that! Till I see you again...............ADAM
Stacey Bowdre &Family
October 5, 2004
I am sorry to hear of your lost. I went to school with Vertez and I will always remember him as a comedian.
Jackie Miller-Johnson
October 5, 2004
Vel and Ralph,
I am so sorry to hear about Vert's passing. He is in a better place. We will continue to keep both of your families in our prayers.
April Cullen
October 5, 2004
I would like to send my deepest sympathy to the Utley family. Vertez and I graduated from high school thogether and I always will have fond memories of his big, bright smile. He is truly a loss.
Mrs. Mary Screen & Family
October 5, 2004
To The Family of Vertez D.Utley,
Our deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time.
Shannon Glover
October 5, 2004
With deepest sympathy to the family of Vertez Utley
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son,that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.
May God provide your family with strength and comfort during this time. Vert was a wonderful person, friend, and classmate. He brighten many lives with his presence. I will always remember you Vert and will see you again one day.
With heartfelt love, your friend, Shannon
Shannon Glover,
AR Johnson Class of 1992
A. Utley
October 5, 2004
Vert,
The last time I saw you I really didn't get to talk to you much. But now I have so much to say to you. Even though you're in a better place now I still wish you could be here. Now today after it's all over it's still unreal to me, that such a good soul had to be taken away from not just me but from the many peoplel who's heart you touched. I know everything happens for a reason, and that you're in a better place but I wish you could be here so I could see you. So I can hear you laugh, so I can hear you tell jokes. Your legacy does live on in Vert Jr., Christian, and soon in your little girl. I still have so much to say to you, but I guess I'll do it in my prayers.
Uncle Ralph,
To me "I'm sorry for your loss," somehow just isn't enough. There really aren't any words that I can say to make this hurt any less. But know that I Love You, and Vert's in a better place than any of us. We'll all see him soon on Our journey home.
Naima Lett (Maiden: Welcher)
October 4, 2004
Howard U. just would not have been the same without my brother from Augusta-G-A! How many days did you brighten... with your sense of humor and your postive outlook on any and every situation... May God comfort your family and carry your friends as we all miss you dearly, Naima
Renee Stallings
October 4, 2004
Vert,
You had a warm heart and a kind spirit. You were always able to make me laugh. I know you are in a better place and in the best hands. May God bless your spirit and use you as one of his Angels so that your good spirit can reach those who need to laugh. May God bless your family and I will keep them in my prayers.
Love,
Renee
Teri Patterson
October 4, 2004
I know its a blessing that Vertez went home to be with our Maker, but he will definitely be missed here on Earth. The years in college and afterwards - we grew so much! I pray for Vert's family during the tough time. I will miss my friend.
Andre Dismuke
October 4, 2004
My God be with you though these sad
times. My prayers are with you!
Janet O. Walker
October 4, 2004
Vevelyn,
We were very sorry to hear the passing of your son Vertez.
Our prayers go out to you and the family. You have Our Deepest Sympathy.
Love,
Janet O. Walker
Margaret W. Black
The former C.E. Wells Gospel Choir of Bethel A.M.E. Church
CARDILLA WYNN
October 4, 2004
Ralph I'am so sorry for your lost. Vert was a good person I will truly miss him. Ralph you're in my prays.
love Cee Dee.
Kay Sutherland
October 4, 2004
To Vel and family, God has chosen Vert to be with him and you have blessed assurance that you will see him again. I mourn with you and pray for you in your hour of bereavement.
Love to you and your family
Justine Hill
October 3, 2004
God bless you on your unimaginable
loss.
Justine O. Hill
Troy and Natasha Hill
Valencia Orr-Smith
John & Linda Lewis
October 3, 2004
Vevelyn:
It seems like yesterday when Vert was a baby with those big pretty eyes. But for 30 years God gave him a fulfilled life with great parents, family and friends. Words cannot express the sorrow in our hearts.
May God bless you and your family.
Georgene Green
October 3, 2004
To the Utley, Favors and Stephens families, May God bless and keep you at this time. My prayers are with you.
Thomas and Alfreda Polite
October 3, 2004
To the Utley, Favors, and Stephens Family
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this time.
Belinda Thornton
October 3, 2004
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Vertez Utley. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you, comfort you, and give you peace.
Sincerely,
Belinda R. Thornton
A.R. Johnson Class '92
Latresia Sherrell
October 3, 2004
Vert, it is hard to believe that your are gone, but your smiles and humor will forever be remembered. I will never forget how we use to sit around and laugh at the things our sons would do. Thanks for always looking out and I know the lord will bless you and keep you all the days of your life.
mary black
October 3, 2004
Ralph I was shock to hear of your son's death. Remember that God does not make or want junk, He just wants the best. Be Prayerful and remember that there is a blessing on the other side of through.
Anna, Amy,David Williams
October 3, 2004
We would like to send our love and heartfelt sympathy to the Utley family. Vert's spirit and love will never be replaced.
Felicia Crump
October 3, 2004
Vertez you were one of a kind and you will be missed so much by all who knew you and loved you. You will always be remembered and forever missed.
Love Felicia & Sonai
A.T. Thomas
October 3, 2004
Denon, was a very good friend and i will wish him dearly.
Vivian Jones-Brooks
October 2, 2004
Dear Vevelyn Favors and Ralph Utley Families, My heartfelt sorrow is extended to you all during these times. My family and I will pray for your strength during these trying times. May your sons accomplishments and memories adhere to this untimely circumstance. God Is Alive And In Control.
Class of 1972 T.W. Josey H.S.
Vivian Jones-Brooks
Chandra Reid
October 2, 2004
Vertez,
More like a brother to me, I will always cherish your friendship. From freshmen year till now, I will remember all of your silly jokes, and crazy times. Through it all you have continued to be a true friend and have always been there for me. Words can't express how much I will miss you. To the entire Uttley family, I pray for your continued strength and know that God will carry you through this difficult time.
Yolonda Tabb
October 2, 2004
I would like to offer the family my deepest sympathy and prayers.
I Peter 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone,disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious.... Verts' personality must have been chosen by God, because it was definelty precious.
Chiquida Burns Brinson
October 2, 2004
I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family of Vertez Utley. A former high school classmate that always made you smile. May God bless and keep you in your time of need. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
June & Jim Powell
October 2, 2004
We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for the family. God has called Vertez but did not leave you without comfort and hope. Seek God.
" He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of stars and calls them each by their name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power: his understanding is infinite." Psalms 147:3-5
Tammy Barbour (Dunbar)
October 2, 2004
I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Vertez Utley. A long time associate and friend I will miss him dearly. May God bless and keep you in your time of need. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Regards,
Tammy Dunbar Barbour
Shirleeta Ellison
October 2, 2004
Vertez was a very good friend of my son, Alvin Bing. Alvin and I were very proud of all of Vertez's accomplishments. He was young,gifted, talented and Black. My condolenences and my heart goes out to the family. Remember the good times and he will always remain with you in your heart until you meet him again. God took him at this time because he had a more important job for him to do. Continue to lean on the Lord and not to your own understanding and he will give you peace in your time of need. God Bless you and the family!!!
Khandra Tyler
October 2, 2004
To the Utley and Favors families, may you find solace in your memories.Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.Vert, thank you for the good times, the many laughs, the days in Chemistry lab at Howard when we spent most of our time talking about being from the country! Thanks for being real and staying that way and helping me keep my head straight in med school.You will always be my homeboy, Vertie! Your lost is unbelievable, but I am so thankful for our last conversation. Love you baby, your Carolina homegirl!
Melissa Crawford
October 1, 2004
I send my condolences to the family, both immediate and distant. May the Lord bless you and keep you. I'll never forget Vertez's kindness and lively spirit. He helped make a hard day at work just that much easier with his jokes and colorful stories. He always knew how to make others smile and if only for just a moment, things were ok. Rest in peace.
Judy Holiday-Pinckney
October 1, 2004
TO VELELYN AND FAMILY,
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS. GOD NEVER PUTS ON US MORE THAN WE CAN BEAR. VERT, WHEN I SEE YOU AGAIN I'M STILL GOING TO TURN YOU UPSIDE DOWN AND SPANK YOU BECAUSE I'M STILL THE OLDEST.
WE LOVE YOU,
JUDY AND FAMILY
Aldric (Rick) Grady
October 1, 2004
May God's grace and peace comfort the bereaving family and friends.
Chadwick Lavert Love
October 1, 2004
Vel and Family:
I'm so sorry to hear about Vertez.
I'll always remember the good times we had when we were young.
God Bless!!
Horace & Beverly(Barnes) Thomas
October 1, 2004
To The Utley,Stephens and Favors Family:
So sorry to hear about your loss.
We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts.
Horace & Beverly (Barnes) Thomas
October 1, 2004
To The Utley,Stephens and Favors Family:
So sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts. God Bless You.
Tami Giles
October 1, 2004
I didn't get to know Vertez, but I do know Gina. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. I pray that you will find some peace in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
God Bless...
Nieta J. (Scott) and Ulycess, Jr Dunmore & Family
October 1, 2004
Vevelyn, Ralph and Family:
It seems as if it was only yesterday when I held Vertez in my arms as a newborn and how he immediately began to light up the lives of the TURPIN HILL GANG!! My heart is intertwined with yours during this time of your extremely difficult loss.
Just remember that throughout his life, you both did your very, very best for him.....it was just GOD's turn to give him the HIGHEST reward!!
Take solace in the fact that he is now resting in the loving and safe arms of Jesus, smiling down at you and your family..your OWN precious guardian angel, throughout eternity.
Tina Roper
October 1, 2004
Vert,
You were my first friend @Howard. I will miss you always. My daughter and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Utley and Favors families and to Vertez's fiancee and children. You are in our prayers.
Always,
Tina and Jayshana
Aaron & Kenny Smith
October 1, 2004
Vertez,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May god bless you on your journey to a better place.
Kemba Garder
October 1, 2004
My sincerest condelences to Mr. Utley & Mrs. Favors
Vert,
Boy, I love you like a brother!
I will for ever hold on to memories we shared in Bethune Annex.
Love,
Kemba
Clifford Utley, Jr
October 1, 2004
I miss you little brother. I'll talk to you soon.
Vernell West-Dent
October 1, 2004
To The Favors, Stephens and Utley Families,
May God Bless and Keep you always!!
Remember to be absent from the body it to be presence with the Lord.
Your Friends Always,
Vernell and Family
PATRICIA (WHITE) LEE-LAMB
October 1, 2004
RALPH & VEVELYN,
I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOST. MY FAMILY AND I WILL KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES IN OUR PRAYS.WE ALL KNOW GOD LOVED HIM BEST.
Carline Jackson
October 1, 2004
With deepest sympathy to Ralph and Family during this difficult time:
Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
samantha williams
September 30, 2004
I will miss you cuz. What good times we have had in Thomasville,Ga when we were kids.I am glad you got a chance to sit in Pat's wicker chair! I love you, and I know that you are in heaven. May god bless you
Levorn & Evon Brooks
September 30, 2004
Ralph and Vevelyn,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your families.
Ray Cupid
September 30, 2004
"To lose a friend is hardship, but to forget them is as if you died too." We had more than our share of good times coming up but I know you have arrived in a better place. Rest in Peace and until I see you on the other side, You will not be forgotten.
Lisa and Clifford Searcy
September 30, 2004
Thanks for the all the laughs and time we spent together.
Lisa Searcy
September 30, 2004
Vert we just saw each other this summer and boy we had a great time. You were always the life of the party. Cuz I will truly miss you and remember the times you would come and visit us in Georgia with Aunt Velma. Again I truly will miss you!
Love ya cuz,
Lisa
Tina Mack
September 30, 2004
I still can't believe it. Who am I going to talk to when I have a problem, that will make me laugh with their crazy sayings? I think that I will miss your laughter the most. I love you cuz.
Victor Mack
September 30, 2004
I will truley miss you.
WILLIAM BASS
September 29, 2004
R.I.P-GOD BLESS
KOFI OSEI TUTU
September 29, 2004
Vertez,
how could you leave like that. I always remember the conversations we had at work, giving the high fives and always saw you on your cell phone calling you a playa, but you were one good guy with a good personality.
I am going to miss you dearly, i will pray for your soul V, I will always say you were my brother.
Rest In Peace bro!!
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