WOOTEN, VERNON WADE (AGE 67) OF FORT WASHINGTON, MD

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure
is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith." II Tim 4:6-7

Vernon Wade Wooten was born October 13, 1948, in Washington, North Carolina, to the late William Henry Wooten and Thomina Lee Wooten. Our heavenly Father called Vernon quietly the afternoon of December 4, 2015, and he slipped away into eternal rest at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Lenora Simmons.

At an early age he accepted Christ at St. John Church of Christ - Disciples of Christ in Washington, North Carolina. As a young child, he was the youngest of five children. He was raised on a farm and loved to work and help maintain the crops. Vernon attended E.J. Hayes High School where he met the love of his life, Gwendolyn Spruill (Wooten) in 1966. After graduation from high school, he was drafted in 1969 into the United States Army and remained active duty until 1971. While in the Army, he served as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Vernon received orders to Korea where he was stationed until receiving an honorable discharge.

Vernon and Gwen married in 1971 and relocated to the Washington, D.C. area. He furthered his education at the School of Architectural Engineering. He received his degree and was employed at Control Data Corporation for 25 years. After retiring, he created his own business, Vernon's Handyman Services. He had a humorous and witty personality. Vernon could make you laugh even if you did not feel like it. He was kind, humble, and thoughtful throughout his life. You could always depend on him to give you truthful, wise advice with love and compassion.

His renewed faith and dedication to God led him to Fort Foote Baptist Church in 1994. Later, he was called to be a Deacon in December 2009. Deacon Wooten was diligent in studying God's word. He loved to share the word of God, worship the Lord, and prayed constantly to his heavenly Father. He was very, very active working for the Lord. He was a faithful member of the Men's Choir where he enjoyed singing for the Lord and the fellowship of the men. Deacon Wooten served in many capacities at Fort Foote one of which was Chair of the Fellowship Committee. As the Chair, he was a Certified Food Service Manager. He had a love and passion for the culinary arts so this brought him great joy. In addition, Deacon Wooten was a faithful member of the Transportation Committee, Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and the Ordination Committee.

Deacon Wooten always loved helping others. He worked as a substitute teacher with the Prince George's County Public School System. He touched many through the numerous volunteer organizations in the community. He was a mentor to young boys in Brother's Unlimited. They often participated in many cultural activities. Also, he was an avid sports goer so coaching his son's youth activities was a natural fit. Deacon Wooten was the coach of the little league T-ball, baseball team, and the basketball team.

Deacon Wooten leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife of 44 years of marriage, Deaconess Gwendolyn Wooten; a beautiful daughter, Felecia (Anthony) Hogue, a devoted son, Devin Wooten; siblings, Susie Tobias (Nathanial-deceased), William O. Wooden, Reverend Judy Bowden (Frank); uncle, Riley Brown; brother-in-law, Roosevelt Simmons; mother-in-law, Annie Spruill; grandchildren, Chadwick, Malik, DaQuan, Nayah, Zoey, Devin, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, and a myriad of friends who have come to think of him as family.

His viewing will take place 10am until time of service 11am on Friday, December 11, 2015 at Fort Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Fort Foote Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744. Interment 11am Monday, December 14, 2015, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640.