In Memory of Reverend Vernon Burris
Vernon Burris was born on July 20, 1935 in Checotah, Oklahoma to Melvin and Dorothy Burris. He was the oldest of four sons. Throughout the stories of his childhood, one thing stood out, his love and respect for his mother. More importantly, Vernon recalled her leading her sons to kneel by their bed at night to say their prayers. He had fond childhood memories of working in the family garden, hunting rabbits, chores, and gathering firewood.
In the eighties, Vernon accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at Free Will Missionary Baptist Church. During his life time, Vernon served the community through many outreach ministries to include his first radio broadcast ministry at KTYM radio station in Inglewood California, “Jesus Is the Answer” ministries in Oklahoma City, a Saturday morning radio program on KTLV, a prison ministry at Lexington Penitentiary, “The Berry House” Juvenile Detention Center in Oklahoma City, and the Mable Basset Correctional facility where he lead Sister Wanda Jean Allen, the first black woman in the state of Oklahoma to be executed, to Christ. He also served on the Board of Directors with the Urban Impact Foundation to serve inner city children. Vernon was loved and respected by all those he ministered to, and they always looked forward to seeing him again.
Vernon loved going on mission trips and traveled several times to Nicaragua to deliver Bibles, donated eyeglasses, personal hygiene items, and hope in the form of the Gospel message. He was amazed at how hungry for God’s Word the people of that country were.
In 2002 Vernon met Sharon, the “woman of his dreams,” while looking for an apartment at Rosewood Manor in Edmond Oklahoma. They soon married thereafter on July 20th, 2004. Vernon loved his wife and would often sing “You Are My Sunshine” to her.
Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kenneth, and his brother, Clifton. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, three daughters; Veverly Jones and husband Paul, and Vanetta Burris, and Keisha Burris, Seven sons; Lee Burris and Chelsey Lamphere, Luther Burris, Vernon Burris Jr. and Bethani Boas, Damien Burris, Ivory Burris, Corey Burris, Andre Burris and wife Lydia. Two brothers, Lou Burris and Juretta; Larry Burris and Geri, 30 Grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Vernon dearly loved all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Vernon’s life was dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ and leading people to accept Him as their personal Savior.
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