Obituary

Ethel Jewel Byrd Vernon

September 17, 1944 - October 2, 2022

Mrs. Ethel Jewel Byrd Vernon, age 78 and of Bogalusa, LA, gained her wings peacefully in her sleep, on Sunday, October 2nd, 2022.

Jewel, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was born in Poplarville, Mississippi to the union of Robert and Revie Connerly Byrd Lampley on September 17, 1944. She was the second child born to this union. 

She moved to Bogalusa, LA at young age, where she was reared by her grandmother, Lucy Jordan. She united with Second Missionary Baptist Church where she grew her faith and loved the Lord. 

She was a dedicated member of Central Memorial High School Class of 1962.

She later met and married Terry Donald Vernon in February of 1983. 

Jewel went on to work with the Bogalusa City School system for many years, and also, was a private sitter for many families. 

She leaves to cherish fond memories her daughter, Leslie Susan (Denson, Sr.) Pittman, of Bogalusa, LA; a step-daughter, Cynthia (LaRide) Conerly, of Dallas, TX; a daughter-in-law, Jannette Byrd of Slidell, LA; James “Bird” Harry who was like a son; 12 grandchildren, Stanley (Darieth) Wilks, Kayla (Lawrence) Williams, Denson, Jr. (Daisy) Pittman, Deonte’ Casnave, Justin Casnave, Justice Casnave, LaKesha May, Chuntel Davis, Nakiymbaa Byrd, Whitney Conerly, Lauri Conerly, and LaRide Conerly, Jr.; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Marie Byrd Mims, Revieta Lampley,  and  Iris (Norman) Robinson; an aunt, Lucy Jordan of Chicago, IL; a brother-in-law, Lionel Vernon of Franklinton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, which is not limited to her loving neighbors. Also, special friends she loved as family Bernie and Christy Brennan. 

Jewel was proceeded in death by her loving husband, Terry D. Vernon; her sons, Robert Dewayne Byrd, and Terry Duane Byrd; her parents, Robert and Revie Connerly Byrd Lampley; stepfather, David Lampley; her sisters, Pricilla Lampley, and Kimberly (Michael) Peters; her mother-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Vernon; nephew, James Mims;  great nephew, Reginald Byrd. 

Drive through viewing Friday, October 7, 2022 from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home- Bogalusa

Funeral Service Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 1:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home Chapel- Bogalusa. Interment –Vernon Cemetery. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home, Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements.