Vernon E. Mims, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois to the union of Vernon, Sr. and Katy Rogers Mims. A few weeks after his birth, his mother, Katy, made her transition into eternity. Vernon Sr. later married Pearlie Mae Poole who helped to raise Vernon Jr. along with the two sons born to Vernon Sr. and Pearlie: Lamont and Erskine.

The family resided in Chicago’s Blackbelt at 47^th and Calumet, an area known today as Bronzeville. Vernon’s growth and maturation was shaped by two significant influences: his educational journeys at Frances Willard Elementary School and DuSable High School, and his spiritual development under the leadership of Rev. Dr. William A. Johnson at Greater St. John Baptist Church, now known as St. John Church-Baptist. When Vernon was baptized at St. John, he joined the Junior Usher Board, but his aspiration was to sing with the Senior Choir. inspired by his teachers Ms. Vivian Jones-Radford and Professor Will G. Radford, Vernon began taking piano lessons at age seven. He was.

In high school, Vernon was accompanist for the DuSable High School Choir and played the trombone in the Jazz and concert bands under the direct tutelage of Captain Walter Dyett. After completing high school, Vernon graduated from Wilson Junior College with an Associate of Arts Degree. He later graduated from Roosevelt University with a B. A. in English and an M. A. in English education. He was also a Mellon Fellow at the University of Chicago.

Vernon began his career as an English teacher at Wendell Phillips High School, but rounded out his career with 35 years as a teacher at Lane Tech College Prep High School where he taught English and Advanced Placement English. As an educator, Vernon has received awards from the University of Chicago, Western Illinois University. He has also earned the A. P. Baldridge Award in Education Project. He is included in the 2002 edition of Who’s Who Among Teachers. In addition, Vernon worked as an adjunct professor at DePaul University.

Vernon never lost sight of his dream to sing with the Chancel Choir at St. John. He also became the historian for the choir as well as the chairman of the choir’s 80^th Anniversary Concert in 2007. In addition, he served as the 2016 Men’s Day Chairman and was a member of the Discipleship team which works with new members. In June 2017, Vernon began service on the Faith-Based Team which presents progressive ideas for church growth.

As a man of many talents, Vernon writes poetry and essays, and enjoys films, photography and traveling. Vernon E. Mims, Jr. walks and talks with God every day and sees himself as a Christian working in God’s vineyard and accepting of God’s Grace and determined to “walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).