Jerome Joseph Verret, affectionately known by all as “Jerry” went to rest in the arms of our Lord on Saturday, December 23, 2023. When being addressed by his grandchildren, he was always “Pop.” He was the loving husband to Louella Marie Dupuis Verret. The immense love and devotion between Jerry and Lou was and will always be undeniable.
Mr. Verret was born on September 29, 1936, in New Iberia, Louisiana. He is preceded in death by his mother, Valerie “Blue” Gondran; father, Early Verret; sisters, Gloria Verret Robichaux and June Verret Heard, and his aunt, who raised he and his sister, Cora “Coco” Gondran, and his grandson, Richard Scott “Scotty” Verret and great grandson, Ian Zerange. Mr. Verret leaves behind his wife and best friend, Louella Verret, one daughter, Sabrina Ann Verret Spears, and two sons, Kyle Verret (Elizabeth “Beth” Landers Verret), and Jody Jerome Verret (Tiffany Carolyn Stear Verret) and his grandchildren Brianne Dawn Barousse Lozier, Kristi Laine Verret, Brannon Kyle Verret (Lan Lan Verret), Elizabeth Raegan Verret Ferrington (Nathan Ferrington), Sherry Ann Verret, Richard Scott (Scotty) Verret [deceased], Brittany Ann Verret, and Bridgett Marie Verret. Also, his great grandchildren, Poete Eden Pittman and Lennon Scott Lozier (Brianne); Kyle Dane Ferrington and Elsie Elizabeth Ferrington (Raegan); and Keilan Zane Broussard, Gunner Roth, Payton Sonnier, (Sherry); Shae Stone (Scotty); and, Lucy Kate Magner (Brittany). He also leaves behind his niece, Rickie Lynn Robichaux Olivier, and two nephews, Floyd “Buddy” Robichaux, and Kerry Robichaux, whom he dearly loved.
Mr. Verret, along with his sister, Gloria (known as “Boots”) was raised in Loreauville, Louisiana, by his Aunt Coco. He graduated from Loreauville High School on June 2, 1954. He attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Liberal and Technical Learning and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and graduated on May 22, 1960. He was a Notary Public and accountant for many years. He often spoke about his employment with the US Naval Exchange in New Iberia, Louisiana with much affection. He was a musician and the leader of his band(s) “Jerry Starr and the Clippers,” “Jerry Starr and the Echoes” and, also, released a record in Lake Charles, Louisiana, under the name of Jerry Wayne. He performed in many dance halls in his teenage years and twenties in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He wrote and recorded songs. He was one of the original swamp pop artists of his time. It was not uncommon to hear dad playing his keyboard, especially on Sundays.
He married the love of his life, Louella, on January 22, 1956, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville, Louisiana. They were married 67 wonderful years. Pop was an entrepreneur and owned a rental business and notary service in Westlake, Louisiana. He also assisted and prepared tax returns for friends and family.
Mr. Verret was diagnosed with polio on September 2, 1959, and was only 23 years of age. He spent two months recovering and rehabilitating in the polio center at New Orleans Charity Hospital. He was asked by the March of Dimes to advocate for the Mother’s March on Polio in an effort to bring community awareness.
Mr. Verret’s favorite all-time job was taking care of his wife, Louella. He was a wonderful father and instilled in his children a strong work ethic, morals, and faith. Knowing Mr. Verret is now with our Lord and has now joined his heavenly family is a great comfort to his wife and children.
Graveside service will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Westlake Memorial Park Cemetery. Celebrant, Jody Barrilleaux will lead services under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Westlake.
