Veraline’s story began, as an only child, born October 5, 1940, in Caroline County, Virginia. The first members of her ‘fan club’ were her parents, Elliott and Geraldine L. Anderson. Vera, as she was affectionately called, was educated in Caroline Public Schools. She graduated from Union High School. There she was a girls’ basketball team member, a Student Government member, and a majorette. Following her graduation, Vera’s real adventures began.

Vera attended business college in Washington, D.C., before continuing her education at the University of Houston, where she lived with her children, Tonya, Peachie, and Greer. Ever so adventurous, Vera would also stake roots in North Carolina, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. She worked at Richmond Redevelopment and Housing, Best Products, Hanover Juvenile Detention Center, and the University of North Carolina. Vera taught at Lorton Prison and served as a manager with Product Development Corporation. She concluded her career as a substitute teacher.

On June 9, 1998, Vera married her ‘last love’ Mervin ‘Merv’ Williams. Together they traveled and entertained family and friends. And boy, could she entertain . . . her parties were legendary, from the Ritz Carlton to fabulous backyard gatherings and celebrations. The socialites took cruises and frequent road trips up and down the east coast. One of her favorite destinations was South Carolina, where she and Merv would enjoy the annual Peach Festival with their friends Bay and Albert Tank. Vera and Merv also loved and enjoyed their annual trips to Hilton Head.

Vera was passionate about many things, including shopping and decorating her home. She had exquisite taste in clothes, furniture, and jewelry. She loved to write and journal; she even started writing a novel. While residing in Virginia, Vera launched Town Talk, a special events company.

Vera was an inspiration to many and a terrific role model for her children. She left a legacy of perseverance, determination, and ‘Think Big’ spirit. She will be dearly missed. The memories of who she was will linger in the minds of many for years to come.

Vera peacefully went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, July 26, 2022. She was preceded in death by her endearing husband, Mervin E. Williams, and beloved parents, Elliott and Geraldine L. Anderson. She leaves to cherish her memory and gregarious personality; her daughters Tonya Pleasants, Peachie Williams (Reggie), and son Greer Pleasants, Sr., (Tina), four grandchildren; Gabrielle, Jade, Greer Jr., and Grace; one great-grandson, Amorie, two aunts; Bernice Hightower, Pearl Smith and a host of devoted relatives and friends.

A special thanks to her cousins Channie Layne, Alfred “Bootney” and Cynthia Winston and enduring friends, Alberta Morton, Anna Hayes, Yvonne Brown, Janet Copeland, and her caregivers at Joyous Care.