James Vernon Lilley

James Vernon Lilley, age 92 of Cleveland, Texas, began his heavenly journey on August 23, 2025, peacefully at his home in San Jacinto County.

Vernon was born October 21, 1932, the son of Laura Elizabeth Everett Lilley and James Robert “Pete” Lilley.

He graduated from Coldspring High School in 1950 and went on to serve our nation in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. Following his military service he earned an associate business degree to further his education.

Vernon married Lois Gingles Lilley of Cleveland January 29, 1959, and they were the proud parents of two daughters, Peggy and Laura.

Early in his career, Vernon owned a gas station, then worked in the oil fields (eventually settling in accounting and marketing for Mobil Oil Company), and worked in supervision management with TRW, Mission, Inc. and Vetco Offshore, Inc. In 1986 he began work in San Jacinto County, setting up the county’s Indigent Health Care Program. In 1988 he was elected tax assessor-collector. He remained in that office until 1996, when he retired. At that time, he was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for Peoples State Bank, an office he performed many years into retirement.

He was a member of the Magnolia Baptist Church and was known to help around his community in any way possible.

Vernon loved everything about the outdoors. He spent countless hours in the woods hunting and chasing fox with his hound dogs. He took great pride in his vegetable garden and in sharing his harvest with others.

Later in life, Vernon enjoyed his time with family and friends and cheering on the Astros.

He lived out his faith and loved to check on his neighbors, often sharing a cup of coffee and a story. His laughter and tales brought joy to all who listened.

Remaining to cherish Vernon’s memory are daughters Peggy Lilley Sewell (Chip Sewell) and Laura Lilley Smith (Kerry Smith); grandchildren Brian Sewell (Casey), Keith Sewell (Ashley), Kaitlin Smith (Cody Hodges), and Brentley Smith; great-grandchildren Stan, Carra, Ava, Henry and Brooks Sewell, Adeline and Calvin Harriet Hodges; sister, Billie Sue Schrenkenbach; and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Our family wants to extend our gratitude to Machelle Harrison, KK Harrison, Home Care Select Home Health and Hospice nurses and staff for their compassionate care and love for our Daddy.

Preceding Vernon in death was the love of his life, his wife Lois, parents Pete and Laura Lilley, brothers Barkley and Gervis Lilley, and sister Nona Ruth Ellisor.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Pace- Stancil Funeral Home in Cleveland, TX. A memorial service will be held at the Evergreen Baptist Church in Evergreen, TX on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 am, with the Reverend Toby Clements officiating. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Vernon’s memory may be directed to: Angels in Action - 61 Slade Street Coldspring, TX 77331 - currie@eastex.net