Vernon Pierce, 69, of Beaumont, died Sunday, April 14, 2024. On August 3, 1954, Hugh Vernon Pierce and Patricia Parker Pierce welcomed Hugh Vernon Pierce, Jr. to the family. While not the first grandson, and not even the first grandchild, he was quickly designated his Grandmother Pierce’s favorite. That was according to HER. Vernon loved to tell that when the family gathered and Grandmother Pierce served her famous chocolate pie, she would produce one for the family and a second “for Vernon.” And NO one challenged her on that. When his mother would seemingly receive preferential treatment, her justification was always, “I bore Vernon.” Accurate.
In the next 6 years, two siblings were welcomed. Karen “Celeste” and James Parker. When Vernon was asked how he liked his new little sister, his reply was that he’d “rather have a truck like Bucky’s.” Typically, there just aren’t a lot of stories about the third child, James. Except that he was the most easy-going, happy, and content baby ever. He learned survival skills early in life.
Vernon grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, in a very typical and traditional 1950s home. He did things that all little boys do, like getting stuck in a tree wearing his dad’s hunting boots and dividing the room he shared with James with tape. Strategically including the door on HIS side.
His entrepreneur side emerged at an early age. While a new street was being built in the neighborhood, Vernon collected empty Coke bottles and returned them for the cash. He took that money and purchased cold cokes and hauled them in his wagon to the workers where he sold them for a profit. And repeat.
Early on, Vernon’s analytical and mechanical mindset began to emerge. His fascination with electricity also became apparent. He wired his sister’s doll house with lights.
While pursuing a business degree beginning at Hinds Junior College in Raymond, MS, he worked afternoons for Mississippi Power and Light. That began a career that would span over four decades. A fine arts class was required and in Music Appreciation is where he met Sheree Locke. The teacher of that class was also the director of the college’s choir where Sheree sang. Vernon quickly endeared himself to her by repairing the lights in the 100-year-old auditorium shortly before a concert. Sheree would pass up homework, and Vernon would sign his name under hers and they’d BOTH get credit. He had a D when they met and finished with a good solid B.
In January of 1977, he transferred to Mississippi State University to finish his degree. Sheree followed in the fall and that was all it took. Engaged in September of 1978 and married in May of 1979.
Vernon went to work full time with Mississippi Power and Light as a Residential Salesman. He had homebuilders building total electric homes when electricity was 15 cents a kilowatt hour. A salesman for sure.
He and Sheree began their married life in Clinton, MS, then transferred to Kosciusko, MS, where they welcomed their first child, Karen Esther in 1984. Another promotion took them to Vicksburg, MS, where Hugh Vernon Pierce, III, was born in 1988. There was never a prouder grandfather than “Daddy Hugh” when “Hugh3” came along. Vernon’s children were his proudest accomplishment.
Subsequent promotions took the family to Vicksburg, MS, Madison, MS, then to Conway, Arkansas, and finally to Beaumont, Texas, in 1998. Vernon was told not to buy a house because this was an 18-month assignment. He retired from Entergy as VP of Customer Service in 2019, living in the same house he purchased in 1998.
As Vernon said, he “failed retirement” and helped start Southeast Texas Emergency Relief Fund to assist citizens recovering from Hurricane Harvey.
Later that year, friends began to encourage him to run for Jefferson County Commissioner, Pct. 1. He was elected and began serving the citizens of his precinct with the same dedication he offered his Entergy customers. He was re-elected in March of 2024.
Vernon has always been involved in his community. Just to name a few, he was president of the Texas Energy Museum Board for the last 15 years. He has served the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce in a variety of ways but most recently on the Economic Development Committee. Other organizations include the LIT Foundation Board, the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission Executive Board and the Symphony of Southeast Texas Board. He is a Past President of the United Way and the Rotary Club of Beaumont and a past Commissioner of the Sabine Neches Navigation District.
Somehow, Vernon still managed to have a lot of fun. He bought his first Harley in 2010. Long trips with dear friends made the best and most treasured memories.
As a member of Wesley Methodist Church, Vernon has served in many capacities but most notably as an usher/greeter/hugger. He was also the acolyte “pusher” where he delighted in dancing and making faces at them to make them laugh as they returned from lighting or extinguishing the candles.
Survivors include his wife, Sheree Pierce; son, Hugh Vernon Pierce III of Missouri City; daughter, Karen Esther Pierce of Austin; brother, James Parker Pierce and his wife, Barbara, of Tampa, Florida; sister, Celeste Pierce Carty and her husband, Owen, of Brookhaven, Mississippi; nieces, Marcee Carty, Catherine Carty Bradshaw and her husband, Austin, and Sadie Pierce Brown and her husband, Michael; great-niece, Marian Bradshaw; and nephew, James Parker Pierce, Jr. and his wife, Sarah.
Memorial contributions may be in made in memory of Vernon Pierce to Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713.
A gathering of Mr. Pierce’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
Rest In Peace, Vernon Pierce. The world is a better place because you were in it. And we are better for having known you. You will be sorely missed.