John Wesley Person, Sr.

John Wesley Person, Sr., was 92 years old when he was called home on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Wyncote Place Senior Living, Memory Care Facility.

His wishes were to be remembered as a father and grandfather who whole-heartedly loved his children and grandchildren.

John Sr. Was the loving son of Mary Elizabeth Briggs and James E. Person, Sr.  He was born April 26, 1932 in Portsmouth, Virginia.  He attended Douglas Park Elementary School and completed Middle School and High School in the Boston area after leaving home at an early age.   He was affectionately known by his parents as “John Wesley”, by his siblings as “Tuck”, and by his Philadelphia family as “Big John”.  He was a very independent and proud man and was always looking for opportunities to better himself and those around him.  While attending school at night, he received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting and his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He was also a Certified Public Accountant. John started his professional career as an Accounting Supervisor for the City of Philadelphia, and later moved to the School District of Philadelphia as Accounting Director of the Get Set Program.  After leaving the School District, he worked for various Colleges and Universities.  He served as Controller of Lincoln University which was a highlight of his professional career.  John was also a professor at local Colleges and Universities including the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.  

John married his sweetheart Pauline Gillis in 1953 and settled in Philadelphia.  Pauline and John would later divorce prior to her untimely death from a medical condition.  In a rare showing of his feelings and emotions, John expressed his biggest regret was his divorce to his true love Pauline.  He would never remarry.  John and Pauline were the proud parents of two sons, John Jr., and Barry Sr. who were the lights of his life. 

John leaves to cherish his loving memory his two sons: John Jr. (wife-Karen Simmons) and Barry Sr.; three grandchildren Shayla Person (husband-Richard Curry), Barry Person, Jr. (wife-Jackie Person) and Chazz Person; four great-grandchildren Drew, Brooke, Siyon and Sage; a sister, Mary Elizabeth Buffington, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  John was pre-deceased by both parents Mary Elizabeth Briggs and James E. Person, Sr., five brothers - Franklin Vann, James E. Person, Jr., Garrett Briggs, Henry Person and Alfred Person and 2 sisters - Betty Galbert and Marion March.  He was a devoted family man who loved his family. 

John will be laid to rest at Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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