Vernon Whitlock Jr. is well-known for being Lee Simmons’ father. His daughter is a famous model and actress. However, his life story was not as rosy as many would think. He was not even there to see his daughter get to the point of fame.
Vernon Whitlock’s personal business dealings landed him in trouble when Lee Simmons was still schooling. What followed was unexpected. It denied him the chance to enjoy life alongside his daughter.
So, what happened? And what’s this man’s life story like? Here is everything you need to know about Whitlock, including his life mistakes.
Early Life of Vernon Whitlock Jr.
This African–American man’s birthplace is the United States. His parents’ names and dates of birth have not been disclosed. The same goes for his traits when he was young and his schooling. However, his career choices are known. The same choices that led him into trouble.
Vernon Whitlock’s Career
Whitlock worked several jobs. He was a Deputy Marshal In 1962. Later, he worked as a Barber in St. Louis City. He also investigated various people on behalf of the ‘Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.’
His lifestyle was too flashy. He would wear expensive jewelry and drive posh cars. Without notice, the lifestyle he was so obsessed with attracted the attention of legal investigators.
The legal team was on the lookout for Vernon Whitlock’s moves because they suspected he was selling bail bonds in exchange for varied gifts. They also thought he was dealing in narcotics. All this happened when Whitlock served as a bail bond agent or bail bondsman.
It did not take long before an undercover officer apprehended Whitlock. He was arraigned in court, found guilty, and sentenced to 24 years behind bars.
Allegedly, Whitlock had denied a deal to be an informant and help the authorities capture the drug lords. His arrest and sentencing happened while he was raising a young family, with his daughter Lee Simmons still schooling.
Whitlock’s Family
Love met Whitlock during the speculated Korean War. A lady named Joanne “Kyoko” Perkins fled Japan to the US in fear of the said war.
Joanne Perkins is half-American and half-Japanese. Her mom was a Japanese born in Korea. Perkins held the position of Social Security Administrator.
Whitlock and Perkins became a thing after dating for a while. They were blessed with one child only, Kimora Lee Simmons. She came into the Whitlock family on the 4th of May, 1975, in Missouri.
Even though Whitlock had worked through his case after being arrested for drug trafficking and other wrongdoings, the couple broke up. It all happened after Vernon Whitlock served three years in jail and was released. Perkins left with Kimora Simmons.
Vernon Whitlock’s Only Daughter
Right after leaving to live with her mom, Kimora Lee Simmons had difficulty in school because of her height. She was 5 feet 10 inches tall at age 10, and many learners would tease her because of her height.
Due to the continued distress, Simmons’ mom enrolled her in a modeling school. Simmons was 11 at that time. At 14, she was spotted by a famous fashion designer, and that is how she officially kickstarted her professional modeling career.
Her life and the mom’s changed so much. Kimora Simmons was growing tremendously and fell in love with different men.
Kimora Lee Simmons had kids from different lovers. She had Aoki and Ming, two beautiful girls from a relationship with Russell Simmons. Djimon Hounsou gave her a boy named Kenzo. Finally, with Tim Leissner, they had a son named Wolfe.
Simmons’ kids count as Vernon’s grandchildren even though the parents separated.
Generally, Vernon Whitlock Jr. will forever be remembered as Kimora Lee Simmons’ dad. Even though he did not get to be a part of Simmons’ life, she turned out great. Check out her latest projects and stories on her socials.
