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Mrs. Ethel Jewel Byrd Vernon, 78, of Bogalusa, gained her wings peacefully in her sleep, on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022.

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

She moved to Bogalusa at a 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; a step-daughter, Cynthia (LaRide) Conerly, of Dallas, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Jannette Byrd of Slidell; James “Bird” Harry who was like a son; 12 grandchildren, Stanley (Darieth) Wilks, Kayla (Lawrence) Williams, Denson Jr. (Daisy) Pittman, Deonté Casnave, Justin Casnave, Justice Casnave, LaKesha May, Chuntel Davis, Nakiymbaa Byrd, Whitney Conerly, Lauri Conerly, and LaRide Conerly Jr.; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Marie Byrd Mims, Revieta Lampley and Iris (Norman) Robinson; an aunt, Lucy Jordan of Chicago, Ill.; 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 preceded 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; and great-nephew, Reginald Byrd.

Drive through viewing will be Friday, Oct. 7, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Bogalusa.

The funeral service will be Saturday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home Chapel of Bogalusa. Interment will be in Vernon Cemetery.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Bogalusa is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.