Born in Roanoke, Virginia on November 28, 1918, Mr. Vernon Stephenson Poindexter, son of Henry Nelson Poindexter and Lilliam Staples, is retired from General Electric Company. He married Ollie H. Henry (now deceased), daughter of Walker Henry and Pearl Haines of Bedford, Virginia and now lives in Suitland, Maryland.

And Now

He is an artist and illustrator for television and magazines and is a courtroom sketch artist.

Education and Service

Vernon studied art through the National Youth Administration at Virginia State College and earned a  certificate in 19 38

During World War II he served in the United States Army Engineers with assignments in North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium and Germany.  He attained the rank of Technician Fifth Class between 1942 and 1945. His service record merited the Silver Star for five major campaigns.

After the war he studied art at the Art Students League of New York under the G. I. Bill for three years.  He then earned a diploma from General Electric Sales College in 1958.

Giving Back to the Community

His extensive involvement with the Boy Scouts of America included work as a councilman, scoutmaster and explorer advisor.  Also a member of the Board of Review and a Neighborhood Commissioner, Mr. Poindexter makes regular annual donations to the local fireman's union and the local police union.

Other community works include membership in the National Trust for Historic Preservation and work as a past adjutant  of the American Legion.  He gave art lectures for Youth Opportunity Day at Springarn High School in Washington D. C. and Kenmore Elementary School in Prince George's County, Maryland.  He has held backyard art classes for neighborhood youth and helped children with art assignments in school.

In Recognition

His own artwork has been shown in six national galleries and museums. 

Mr. Poindexter has received the North American Theatre Group's Lincoln-Douglas Humanities Gold Medal, American Biographical Institute's  International Cultural  Diploma of Honor among other of the institute's prestigious awards, Outstanding Achievement Award from his Village Men's Club and a Church Bronze Plaque for  Outstanding Service as an artist. 

His membership in the Community Men's Club has supported bringing culture and people of prominence to the  neighborhood, such as foreign ambassadors and local congressional representatives.  In 1971 he presented an Honorary Mayor's Award to the Prime Minister of the Nassau  Islands.  He is also a past Precinct  Chair for his legislative  voting district  and a member of the Maryland State  Democrats Society.  

Mr. Poindexter's autobiographical profile appears in  Who's Who in the East, International Who's Who and International Men of Achievement.