Vernal Jay Jolley Obituary (1957

Vernal Jay Jolley passed away and was joyfully reunited with his mom and “Pard” on December 3, 2022, at age 65. “Uncle Jay” was born April 11, 1957, to Burbank U. Jolley and Thora Gene Newell. As a young child and throughout his life, Jay was well known for his friendly and loving character. And, boy was he a character! He often left his family members and friends in stitches with his hilarious sayings, “HBO” dances, and contagious laughter. Jay had the special ability to make friends with anyone and everyone with his happy and loving personality. Anyone who had the privilege to meet him gained a new “uncle.” Without a doubt, he was the peacemaker and the “glue” in our family tree. As a young man, Jay attended R.A.H., Oakridge, and graduated from BYU Demonstration School. After school, Jay worked at Central Utah Enterprises and NuSkin. He was active for many years in the Special Olympics and won many medals and awards. He was the first to be named “Athlete of the Month” by Hardees who sponsored the Special Olympics. R.A.H. (Recreation and Habilitation services) was a big part of his earlier life, and Jay loved and supported its programs and activities. Many thanks to Directors Kathy Edwards, Cheryl Adamson, and all other staff and board members who tirelessly worked for the benefit and well-being of the less fortunate of the entire valley. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jay loved his calling as a primary worker. Everyone loved hearing Jay sing loudly with the rest of the primary children each Sunday. All who loved Jay knew he was one of God’s special children. Thank you, Uncle Jay, for playing “Jaws” with us, for cutting up all of our old magazines, for making us ketchup sandwiches, for tickling our feet, for showing us your calendar, and for reminding us there are “Angels Among Us” and that “Love Can Build a Bridge.” We love you, Jay Jolley–our favorite uncle, by golly! Jay was preceded in death by his loving mother, who tenderly cared for him throughout his lifetime, his dedicated dad or “Pard,” as he called him, his brother Udell E. Jolley, and his nephew Shane McClellan. He is survived by his sisters Pamela Gene Lohrke (Alan) of Santaquin, UT, Mary Lynn Taylor of Springville, UT, and his sister-in-law Sallee Jolley of Annabella, UT. He also had many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly–Mark Jolley (Shelley), Michele Morrell (Rick), Leisha Greer (Benjamin), Megen Knaphus (Lane), Carissa Loftus (Don), Marcie Stott (Kevin), Mistee Thatcher (Robert), Courtney Byrom (Tony), Mandee Jones (Casey), Matty Monroe (Douglas), Mallori Strong (Richard), and Chelsea Sloan (Gregg). Also included in those who loved Uncle Jay are Gina Hurst and Lori McClellan. He had so many great nieces and nephews who learned compassion, love, patience, and forgiveness for others from their Great Uncle Jay. They include Darick, Kennedy, Jacey, Parker, Taylor, Jessie, Briley, Hunter, Alexis, Jaida, Addison, MaKaydee, Bracken, Cooper, Austin, Kyson, Jamon, Scott, Miller, Kameryn, MaKenzee, Rodney, Jorja, Annie Jay, Ryker, Jackson, Brinnly, Fisher, Alice, Eli, Mack, Calvin, Taelee Jay, Asher, McCall, Trey, Emma, Kaylie, Elsie, Sonny, Jarrett, Walker, Jackie, Marissa, Bensen, Wyatt, Archer, Lincoln, Taylor Mary, Molly, Dudley, Sidney, Ruby, Jerzee, Jimmy Vernal, Hinkley, and Thor. Jay’s family would like to give special thanks and appreciation to Josh, Alys, Lori, Shallen, Shanna, Tracey, Alysha, Shaelee, Alison, Tylee, Tanesha, Jennifer, Kyle, Craig, and the rest of the wonderful staff at Heritage Hills Rehabilitation and Care Center in Nephi, Utah. The loving and tender care given to Jay over the last several months will never be forgotten. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the Hobble Creek 1st Ward Chapel, 555 South Averett Avenue, Springville, Utah. The family will receive friends at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Friday evening, December 9, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 12:00-12:45 p.m. Burial services will be held at East Lawn Memorial Hills where he will be buried beside his mom and dad. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jay’s name to (R.A.H.) Recreation and Habilitation Services at 815 North 800 West in Provo. Those who cannot attend in person are invited to view the services LIVE via Zoom at http://Bit.ly/hobblesacrament