Obituaries: Vern Edward Jones

July 19, 1927 – August 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.

Vern became an Episcopal priest in 1952 and loved serving his community. He spent over 70 years spreading the word of God's love and inclusion for all people. He served many parishes in the Bay Area but most notably Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, where he was nave chaplain for more than 30 years. He was even baptizing babies and blessing same-sex marriages at 95. He was a great man and will be missed.

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.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 on Thursday, November 6, at 2 p.m. There will be a reception with light refreshments following. Please RSVP to [email protected]. 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 at gracecathedral.org/tribute-giving.