Vernon Derrick McFadden, Sr.

VERNON DERRICK MCFADDEN was born to the late James Vernon Mitchell and Melvina Ford on October 1, 1957, in the vibrant City of Baltimore, MD. He passed away peacefully at home on July 26, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was raised in Baltimore, MD. Vernon attended Carver Vocational Technical High School, graduating in 1977. He had a deep love for music and was an avid R&B singer, particularly enjoying the music of The O’Jays. He frequently performed at city and state fairs and was a member of the band st Century.” Beyond music, Vernon’s true passion was fashion. Having trained as a tailor at Carver High School, he possessed a remarkable creative talent for design. He was known for his sharp sense of style and his keen eye for detail, often remarking on the fashion choices of others with characteristic wit. He once observed a comedy show on television were the performer appeared in a brown suit paired with white cotton socks. Upon witnessing this, he remarked aloud, “Now, why would he wear those country white socks with that suit?” Throughout his life, Vernon exemplified dedication and perseverance in his professional pursuits. His career included roles at Pop Kelly, the Red Shop, and Rodman’s, and he eventually realized his dream of owning his own business, “Vernon Men’s Wear,” which operated at Security Square Mall from 1993 to 2000. He worked at Turning Point for several years and he was working at K & G Men’s Wear when he passed. Vernon was a dedicated and loyal individual who cherished gatherings with family and friends, which were often filled with music and singing. His impeccable sense of style was truly inspiring; he had an innate ability to curate outfits for anyone, regardless of age or gender. His “passion for fashion” left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and his creative spirit will be dearly missed. Vernon was known and beloved by many across the globe. In 1998, he was featured in an article in The Baltimore Sun, which quoted him as saying, “I just want to be different and not look like the clothing off the rack.” He achieved this by applying the exceptional tailoring skills he mastered at Carver High School. Vernon possessed a remarkable talent for assessing an individual’s style and applying his unique creativity to his craft, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he served. He later met the love of his life, Debbie Lorraine Jones, while working at Pop Kelly’s. They were married on April 16, 1989, and from this union they had two children, Vernon Donte McFadden Jr. and Ashley Lorraine McFadden. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents James Vernon Mitchell and Melvina Ford, as well as O’Brian McFadden, George Wade, Carol Mitchell, Kevin McFadden, Tammy Ford, and his special aunt Evelynia Gibbs. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Debbie McFadden; children, Vernon McFadden Jr. (India) and Ashley McFadden (Tomesha); sisters, Florence Johnson (Wesley), Barbera Maloney (James), Constance Hall, Thomasina Saxon, and Janet Barr (Tony); brothers, Dr. Carl McFadden (Rina) and Christopher McFadden (Cheryl); bonus child, Tiffany Pinder; sister-in-law, Linda Bowser; brother-in-law, Randolph Jones; and special friend, Tanya Morton. He is also survived by his nieces, Corella Lumpkin (Rodney), Nichele Lumpkin, Keia Davis, Nicole McFadden, Crystal McFadden, Kristina Saxon, Jessica Yang (Gene), Shannon Marshall, Brandi Nance (Tione), and Brittany Greene; nephews, Carl (Mac) McFadden, Steven McFadden (Ginger), Michael Jones, Dameon Bowser, Jerrod Thomas (Toni), Robert Faison, Bryce McFadden and Kevin Moore; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his beloved dog Gizmo.

Tributes

Vernon Derrick McFadden, Sr.

October 1, 1957 - July 26, 2026