J W Vernon

Mr. J. W. Vernon, of Macon, MS., passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024 near his home. A funeral service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Bill Ross officiating. Visitation will be held at the church Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. Interment is private and for the family only. Memorials may be made to Salem Cemetery, c/o Ethan Ewing, 21 Elkin Ct., Macon, MS 39341 or Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Annette Taylor, 3538 County Line Rd., Preston, MS 39354. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

James Willie (JW) Vernon was born on July 28, 1942 to the late Webster Clinton Vernon and Mabel Clair Weaver Vernon. He was the sixth of eight children and enjoyed a wonderful life growing up with all his siblings in Gholson, MS. He graduated from Shuqualak High School in 1960 and attended East Mississippi Junior College where he played football for the legendary coach Bull Sullivan.

After college JW worked at Mitchell Steel in Columbus, MS and in December of 1962 he married the former Marie Higginbotham. They made their home in Macon, MS. He worked as the Parts and Service Manager at Southland Motor Company for several years and earned many outstanding achievement awards as Parts Manager from the Ford Parts and Service division. He had his own business, Vernon Amoco, in Macon for several years before going to work as the Parts Manager at Brunt-Ward Chevrolet in Louisville, MS. He worked there until his retirement in 2005, but as he was not a man of idleness, he soon began helping his brother-in-law Ray at Murray Supply in Macon, a job that he continued until his passing. JW was a hard worker and believed that his call from God was to serve and help people. In the end, he died doing what he loved best, helping his neighbors. He had a great love for his church and was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school, ushered, and served as a deacon. He also served as a greeter at the door and was much beloved by all the little children of the church, to whom he paid special attention as they arrived for services.

JW was a kind and gentle soul. He was a “people” person and made friends easily. He was a great storyteller and had a quick wit. He greeted everyone with a smile and a firm handshake and had a way of making everyone feel special.  JW enjoyed spending time in Gholson on his home place where he was raised. He enjoyed music, drawing, gardening and tinkering on small projects. He especially loved making his locally famous homemade ice cream for his family and friends.

JW was a great husband and a father. He loved Marie, his girls, his son-in-law, and his grand and great-grandchildren. Every conversation he ever had with any family member ended with “I love you!”

JW Vernon was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings Hilda Luke, Ann Vandevender, Joyce Lindley, Ira Vernon and Raymond Vernon. He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Marie and by his daughters: Angelia Vernon, Jennifer Vernon Permenter (Andy) and Jamie Vernon, all of Macon. He is also survived by his granddaughters: Joy Permenter Wilder (Kody) of Prairieville, LA and Kelsey Permenter of Macon and by his great-grandchildren: Kolton Wilder, Willow Wilder, and Walter Taylor. Also left to mourn his passing are JW’s sister Frances Bourgeois of Memphis TN and his brother David Vernon of Southaven, MS as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.