Verta Maye Ingbretsen

Born on March 3, 1929, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, Verta was the daughter of Coy Raymond Needham and Eunice Holloway Needham. She graduated from Old Town School in 1947 and went on to study at Columbia Bible College. She later pursued nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina and began her career at MUSC Hospital in Charleston, where she served others with compassion and dedication.

In 1952, she married William Morgan Ingbretsen, and together they raised four children: Paul Roger, Gregory Coy, Brenda Gaye, and William Douglas.

Verta was a devoted mother and a steady source of encouragement and strength to her family. She found deep joy in caring for others—whether through her nursing, her thoughtful acts of kindness, or her love of cooking, which brought family and friends together around her table. She had a lifelong appreciation for art, music and gardening, and a quiet faith that guided her life.

A longtime member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Columbia, Verta faithfully served in the church nursery for over 20 years, lovingly caring for generations of children and supporting young families in her church community.

Her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5–6—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight”—reflected the way she lived: with humility, trust, and grace through life’s many seasons.

She was preceded in death by her son, Gregory Coy Ingbretsen; her former husband, William Morgan Ingbretsen; and her brother, Raymond Needham.

She is survived by her children, Paul Roger Ingbretsen (Carol), Brenda Ingbretsen Way, and William Douglas Ingbretsen; Brenda’s former husband, Paul Dennis Way; her sisters, Lorena Rierson and Marie Linville; her grandchildren, Ellen Paige Way (Courtney), Douglas Reese Way (Abigail), and William Adams Way; her great-grandson, Rhett Roberts Way; and many extended family members and friends.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Lauren Kelly, a devoted friend and caregiver, whose kindness and support meant so much to Verta in her later years.

Verta will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her resilience, and her unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A service will be held on May 5th at 2:00 PM at Bethel United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 4600 Daniel Dr., Columbia, SC 29206.