The Rev. Vernon L. Norris, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and faithful follower and minister of Jesus Christ, passed away at his home in Parsons on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the age of 82.
He was born on Dec. 23, 1942, to Eunice Leslie and Stephana Wiggins Norris in Lake City, Florida. He and his twin sister, Virginia (Griffis), and four siblings were raised in the Jacksonville/Lake City area of Florida. After attending Lee College, he became an ordained minister of the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, pastoring for over 53 years in Georgia, Kansas and Oklahoma.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joyce Elzona Phillips Norris. They were blessed with four children, Cristy (Tim) Boehm, Leslie (David) Thacker, Malissa (Gersom) Teran and Jonathan (Angie) Norris. Vernon was known as “Papa or Grandpa” to his grandchildren, Laura Hindman, Rachel Boehm, Joy Boehm, Alyssa Chase, Michael Teran, Joel Norris, Jesse Mendoza, Joe Mendoza and to his 12 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, Vernon was preceded in death by his sister, Evon.
The family received friends Thursday and the service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 14, at the Parsons Church of God. Following the service burial will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Mound Valley. The family suggests memorials to the Church of God and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
