Thomas A. Vernon Sr. & Jr. Homegoing

Celebration A SERVICE OF

FOR THE LIFE OF

THOMAS

ALVIN VERNON, SR. Sunrise: Sunset: June 19, 1937 June 6, 2015

THOMAS

ALVIN VERNON, JR. Sunrise: September 30, 1965 Sunset: June 10, 2015

Saturday, June 13, 2015 • 2:30 PM

New Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church • Arcadia, LA 71001 Rev. Norah Banks, Jr. Pastor | Rev. Isadore Millican, Officiating

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

, Order of Service , Processional Selection............................................................... Combined Choirs Scriptures (Old & New Testament).......................Pastor Johnnie Dyes St. Matthews Baptist Church - Athens, LA Prayer................................................................Pastor Billy R. Isreal Solo..............................................................Bro. Charles O. Wesley Expressions....................... Bro. Johnny Champion & Bro. Ricky Davis Acknowledgments............................................ Sis. Dorthy Jean Gory Words of Comfort..............................................Pastor Kenneth Sapp Pleasant Grove Baptist Church - Ruston (Clay) LA Solo.............................................................. Pastor Norah Banks, Jr. The Spoken Word...........................................Pastor Isadore Millican Recessional A Glimpse ‘til Glory......................... Paradise Funeral Home in Charge

, Obituary ,

THOMAS ALVIN VERNON, SR. On June 19, 1937, Thomas Alvin Vernon Sr. began his voyage on the sea of life. He was one of twelve children born to Legurtie and Callie Hollinquest Vernon in Arcadia, LA. He gently closed his eyes at Claiborne Memorial Medical Center and docked on the shores of eternity on June 6, 2015.

Being reared in a Christian home with strict, loving and God-fearing parents, Thomas united with Christ and became a member of the Saline Ridge Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J.H. Tims and remained a member until death.

Thomas united in wedlock to Bertha Mae Wilson on October 5, 1956. To this union, seven children were born.

Being instilled with a strong work ethic, Thomas held several jobs. He was an agricultural worker on his family’s farm and the potato farm; the box factory, ConAgra (35 years); and a licensed professional barber. Thomas had a love for gardening, fishing, cooking and cutting hair. He loved cooking for his church on Father’s Day. Thomas could often be heard saying, “It’s gonna get better.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Legurtie and Callie; five siblings, Legurtie, Jr., Willie Ed, Arlester, Sr., Billy Ray, and Burna Grisby; and one grandson, DeRossceus Abney.

Those left to cherish his precious memory and carry on his legacy include: a loving wife, Bertha; three sons, Danny (Evelyn), Terry (Karen), Thomas, Jr. (Romesheucia); four daughters, Joyce, Marva Dean (DuWayne), Jacqueline ( Jerry), and Connie (Gregory); brothers, Huey (Esther), Uylesses, Jimmy and Robert ( Vera); sisters, Earnestine and Gloria; twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; one aunt, Eaudean Vernon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special children and friends.

“You can’t stay on vacation always. At some point, you gotta go home.”

, Obituary ,

THOMAS ALVIN VERNON, JR. On September 30, 1965, Thomas Alvin Vernon, Jr. made his entrance on the sea of life. He was the seventh child born to Thomas Vernon, Sr. and Bertha Wilson in Arcadia. After a brief voyage, Junior encountered stormy waters and the Master of the Seas extended to him a life boat and rescued him to eternal life on June 10, 2015.

At an early age, Junior saw the need for a Savior and decided to make Jesus his choice. He united with the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and was a member of the Junior Ushers.

He attended Crawford Elementary and Arcadia High School.

Thomas Vernon, Jr. was united in wedlock to Romesheucia Bacnum on April 20, 2012 and to this union one son was born, Quanzaveous Vernon.

Junior was an energetic and fun-loving person with a million dollar smile. His warm personality won him many friends and acquaintances. Junior was employed by Boyd Communications in Shreveport, LA. He is preceded in death by his son DeRossceus Abney and his father, Thomas Vernon, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy of kindness and love, a loving and supportive wife, Romesheucia Vernon; a loving mother Bertha Vernon; two brothers, Danny (Evelyn) and Terry (Karen); four sisters, Joyce, Marva Dean (Duwayne), Jacqueline ( Jerry), and Connie (Gregory); aunts; uncles; cousins; special sisters; and brothers and friends. “For I know whatever betides me; Jesus doeth all things well.�

A CTIVE PALLBEARERS Billy Isreal, Jr. Jerry Elzy Allen Elzy O’Derrick Allen RaShawn Vernon

Rufus Gaddies, III Gerome Williams* Christopher Joe Leonard Mayfield, Jr.* Ken Davis Larry Jones* Anthony Johnson, Jr. Calvin Cockerham* Andriguez Barnum* Lavelle Vinson*

H ONORARY PALLBEARERS Donnie Harris Arlester Vernon, Jr. Jerry Davis Eddie Joe Evans Deric Isreal Anthony Rutherford Cleo Vernon Randy Davis

Danny Vernon Jacky Paul Quanzaveous Vernon Jerry Archie Willie Vernon Jerry Elzy, Sr. Terry Allen

Terry Vernon Howard Wilson Russell Grigsby, Jr. Henry Wilson Andriquez Barnum Kenneth Vernon Gregory Honor Dexter Woods

F LOWER BEARERS & U SHER Saline Ridge Baptist Church & New Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Inc.

I NTERMENT

Saline Ridge Cemetery • Arcadia, LA 710001

R EPAST

New Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Inc. 2697 Elm Street • Arcadia, LA 71001

F INAL EARLY ARRANGEMENTS

Paradise Funeral Home • Arcadia, LA 71001

A CKNOWLEDGMENTS

The families of Thomas Alvin Vernon Sr. and Jr. are touched by each act of kindness and prayer extended to us during our hours of need. Special thanks to Willow Ridge Nursing Facility, Claiborne Memorial Medical Center, and the hospice service of ShreveportBossier. You have been a blessing and comfort to us and we pray God’s blessings and favor upon you. *Thomas Alvin Vernon, Jr. Active Pallbearers