Vera Brown Ward

Vera Brown Ward, a long time Austin resident, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2010. Vera and her husband Forrest were Austin residents for over 50 years. Born in Altus, Oklahoma on January 21, 1922, Vera moved with her family to east Texas as a young child. She met her husband Forrest in school in East Texas and they married in 1947. They celebrated 62 years of marriage in September of 2009. Known for her wonderful sense of humor and her love of people, Vera owned and operated a beauty salon here for 20 years before she retired. Retirement for her meant starting a new career and for many years Vera enjoyed being part of the Austin antique business. Vera loved to entertain in her home and to cook. Her love of country music and travel led her all over the country as she and Forrest enjoyed many vacations being with their friends in the music industry. A wonderful loving wife and mother, Vera is survived by husband Forrest and their two children, son Randall Ward of Austin and daughter Karen Welch of Terrell, daughter in law Jill Ward and son in law Greg Welch. She was grandmother to Heather Welch of Dallas, Texas and great grandmother to Aiden Welch. Vera is also survived by brothers Jerry W. Brown of Austin, George W. Gunter of Georgia and Bob Gunter of Houston. Preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Vera leaves behind nieces and nephews who will fondly remember her as Aunt V. A very special thank you to her niece Debbie Ashbough for the many hours that she lovingly spent being with Vera. We are most grateful for this special time you shared with her. Services will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home in Austin on Sunday, February 7th at 2:30 pm.