Life Reflections of Live Well Lived

We celebrate the legacy of Dr. Vernon L. Busby Jr., who entered into eternal rest
on April 14, 2025, at the age of 75 in Dallas, Texas. Born on October 29, 1949,
in Temple, Texas, Vernon was the cherished son of the late Vernon L. Busby
Sr. and Vera L. Busby. Vernon was educated in Temple public schools and
graduated from Dunbar High School in 1968. He moved to Dallas in January
1969 to begin a new chapter filled with purpose and promise.

In Dallas, he began his professional career with Lone Star Gas Company, where
he served faithfully as the Print Shop and Facility Department Manager from
1971 to 1986. But his greatest calling was not found in his workplace—it was
discovered in the depths of his heart and faith.

He united with Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in February 1969
under the leadership of Dr. Robert Reed. He began to serve fervently, and
in 1973, he became the youngest ordained Deacon in the National Baptist
Convention USA—a testament to his maturity and deep commitment to the
work of ministry even at a young age. After years of serving and growing,
Vernon answered the call to preach and was ordained into ministry in 1982
under Dr. Reed. That same year, he joined St. John Baptist Church under
the leadership of Dr. Manuel Scott Sr., where he pastored the Young Adults
Ministry, sowing seeds of faith into the next generation.

Vernon's academic journey was a reflection of his desire to grow in both
wisdom and biblical understanding. He attended Dallas Bible College in 1971
and went on to complete the Basic, Advanced, and Theology Bible Programs
at Southern Bible Institute in Dallas. He earned his Doctorate in Ministry in
1983, equipping him for the work ahead in both the classroom and the pulpit.
He joined the faculty of Southern Bible Institute as a part-time professor in
1982, became full-time in 1986, and was later appointed Dean of Students in
1990, all while continuing to teach and mentor others in their spiritual and
academic pursuits. One of his most memorable moments was having the
opportunity to preach at the Church of the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles,
where President Ronald Reagan was known to attend.

Dr. Busby's ministry flourished as he pastored Samaria Baptist Church in
Kearnes, Texas, beginning in 1987, and later became the pastor of St. John
Missionary Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, beginning in 1993. Through every
season of leadership, he remained steadfast, compassionate, and faithful to the
Word of God.

His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. Dr. Busby, in partnership with
Reverend Leo Bibles, led multiple tours to the Holy Land, including visits to
London, England, and Germany, enriching participants' understanding of
Scripture through firsthand encounters.

On March 23, 2002, Vernon married Catherine Larue Hollie, who remained
his loving partner and companion in life and ministry until her passing.
Dr. Busby was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Larue Hollie-Busby; his
parents, Vernon L. Busby Sr. and Vera L. Busby; his brother, Charles Wayne;
and his sister, Diane Busby-Rhodes. He is survived by his daughter, Charla
Angelique Busby, and his grandson, Christian LeDaniel Sterling Cannon of
Houston, Texas; his brother, Mitchell Busby (Gwendolyn) of Dallas, Texas; his
sister, Beverly Busby-Howard of Temple, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews,
relatives, and friends.