Rev. Vern E. Jones

1927 - 2025

Rev. Vern E Jones
07/19/1927 - 08/17/2025
Vern Edward Jones came into this world on July 19, 1927. Welcoming him onto this green earth that afternoon were his beloved mother, the family doctor, and his intrepid 16-year-old cousin, Helena, who was called in from a thunderstorm to be the nursing assistant. His father, Casey, was working on the railroad, far on the other side of the country that day. He was the youngest of 5 children, born to Agnes and Casey Jones. His parents and siblings Casey, C.L. Donna and Vonna have predeceased him.
Vern was a studious child and went early to a private university in Enid. He received the call from God and attended the General Episcopal Theological Seminary, located in Manhattan. Vern went on to obtain his graduate degree in Theology at St. Mellitus College in London, cementing both his future as a priest and also a great love of English literature.
Vern became a priest in 1952 and loved every moment of his calling. He started as a mission priest in Oklahoma, serving many parishes weekly, including the Cheyenne Whirlwind Mission. In 1977, Vern transferred to California to serve as Rector of St. Peter's. Amongst the churches he has served over the years are Grace Cathedral, San Francisco (as Nave Chaplain for more than 30 years), Good Shepherd of Belmont, St. Matthew's of Enid, Whirlwind Mission, St. Mark's and St. John's, St. Peter's of Redwood City, Christ Church of Los Altos, and St. Mary the Virgin, New York. Well into his 90's, he was baptizing babies and even an officiant at a family Christmas wedding in San Francisco.
Vern is survived by his large and loving family, and many friends all across the globe. He was a wise and loving man, and his memory is a blessing to all who mourn. Vern passed peacefully in his sleep August 17, 2025 in the care of Buena Vista Manor House.
Memorial Service will be held at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., San Francisco, CA 94108 on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. There will be a reception with light refreshments following. Please RSVP to Revvernjones@yahoo.com. Vern would have liked guests to dress in any color of the rainbow for the Memorial, in honor of Genesis. "The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth."
Please direct donations in his honor to Grace Cathedral: https://gracecathedral.org/tribute-giving/.