On May 1, 1963, a son was born to Pearlie Mae and Garris Allen. He was lovingly named Vernon James by his late great-aunt, Vina Coleman. If you knew Vernon, then you knew he had an unforgettable sense of humor and a way of keeping people laughing. He was truly a people person who never met a stranger and always had something funny or lighthearted to say. Vernon was always willing to lend a helping hand—even to someone he did not know. Whether it was stopping to assist a stranded motorist on the side of the road or simply helping someone in need, he never hesitated, especially when children were involved. Children and the elderly held a very special place in his heart.

Vernon accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor R. A. Williams, where he faithfully served as an usher.

Vernon attended Wharton Independent School District until the age of thirteen. He later moved to Houston, where he attended Sharpstown Middle School and graduated from Sharpstown High School, Class of 1982. During his high school years, he excelled in basketball, a sport he loved dearly. His talent on the court earned him a scholarship to Bethany Nazarene College, a private university in Bethany, Oklahoma, where he played the position of Center Guard.

Following college, Vernon worked several jobs throughout his life, with his most recent employment being at TMC Hospital Laundry. He loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed food and cooking. His greatest passions were basketball and fishing.

Unexpectedly, on May 5, 2026, God extended His hand, and Vernon answered the call, transitioning from labor to reward.

Vernon was preceded in death by his mother, Pearlie Jackson; father, Garris Allen; brother, Orland Tolden; grandmother, Lillie Tinsley; grandfather, Algin Tolden; one uncle, Dr. William Tolden; three great-aunts, Irene Green, Evelyn Allen, and Vina Coleman; one great-uncle, Clarence Green; and his great-grandparents, Calvin and Little Green and Ruby Clark.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: two sons, Vernon Allen II of Houston, Texas, and Demarial Green (Sarah) of Pasadena, Texas; three grandsons, Dalton, Drew, and Deven, all of Pasadena, Texas; two sisters, Lillie Allen of Houston, Texas, and Cynthia Barefield of Wharton, Texas; two brothers, Delbert Allen (Christiana) of Houston, Texas, and Jeffrey Jackson (Pamela) of Houston, Texas; two aunts, Carol Ray (Leonard) of East Bernard, Texas, and Patricia Clark of Wharton, Texas; one uncle, Melvin “Buddy” Clark (Rayunice) of Wharton, Texas; two longtime friends, Natalie Humphrey and Maurice Barefield; and a host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and friends.