Vernon L. Jones, Sr.

Vernon Laumont Jones, Sr. June 22, 1923-September 4, 2013 Resident of Walnut Creek Vernon Laumont Jones Sr. was a native of Philadelphia, PA where he received his formal education and graduated from Overbrook High School. After graduation he worked for Molten Paper Company and later the Insurance Company of North America before leaving to attend Wilberforce University in Ohio. At the end of his freshman year, Vernon went into the Army at Ft. George G. Meade, MD. His Army experience was extensive. He joined ROTC and enlisted in the Reserves, and planned to go on to OCS. His basic training was at the Calvary Replacement Training Center, Ft. Riley, KS. Joe Louis was his barrack sergeant, and he soon found out that he could not go to OCS because two other African American candidates had already been selected. From there Vernon went to Ft. Clark, TX, as a radio operator and was later made a mail clerk. The rest of his Army career was spent in headquarters. He traveled to Africa, Italy, the Philippines, and Japan. After his discharge in 1946, Vernon entered Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1949. After graduation he married Portia Elaine McGee, of Penllyn, PA. He worked briefly as a fluid engineer at Fischer and Porter, Hatboro, PA, but his interest was not in engineering. He became a physical education teacher for the W. Sampson Brooks High School in Prince Frederick, MD. Vernon later returned to Philadelphia and became a teacher at the M. Hall Stanton School. While teaching science at the Mitchell School in Philadelphia, he completed studies for administration at Temple University. After his studies he became an Auxiliary Principal and was appointed to the E. M. Stanton School in Philadelphia. Vernon went on to serve at several elementary schools as a principal. He retired in 1989 after serving at the Smith School. After retirement he served two years as the CEO of the Downingtown Industrial School in Chester County, PA. Vernon believed strongly in giving back to the community. While working, he was an Emergency American Red Cross volunteer, was involved with the Boy Scouts and was a summer Camp Director in the city. He was also a long time member of St. Simon the Cyrenian Episcopal Church in Philadelphia where he served as a lay reader and vestry member. Vernon was also a skilled photographer and could frequently be found taking pictures at various events as well as being a wedding photographer. Vernon held various elected offices including: Keeper of Records, - Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Keeper of Records, Vallejo-Fairfield Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi, President of the Advisory Council- Contra Costa County, CA,; Planning Committee Chairman- Advisory Council on Aging, Contra Costa County, CA, 10 years as a Senior Assembly Member of the California Senior Legislature, Ways and Means Chairman- Walnut Creek Manor; and Vestryman at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Walnut Creek, CA. His marriage to Portia McGee produced two daughters, Pamela Renee (Robert) of Tacoma, WA, and Cheryl Denise of San Ramon, CA. His second marriage to Hessie Williams produced two daughters; Renee Soiesette (Walter) of Harrisburg, PA, Michelle Joyce of Philadelphia, and a son, Vernon Laumont Jr. (Lisa) of Berwyn, PA. Vernon also leaves to mourn his loss; five grandsons, four granddaughters, nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends. Visitation begins at 9:00 am with Services at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church located on 1924 Trinity Avenue in Walnut Creek on Friday, September 13, 2013. Private inurnment at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, CA. Please send condolences to oakparkhillschapel.com. Funeral Service Friday, September 13, 2013 11:00 am St. Paul's Episcopal church 1924 Trinity Avenue Walnut Creek CALIFORNIA 94596 Visitation Friday, September 13, 2013 09:00 am-10:00 am St. Paul's Episcopal church 1924 Trinity Avenue Walnut Creek CALIFORNIA 94596