Vera began life in Northern Louisiana on a working farm with four brothers. Her life encompassed the beauty of nature and the hard work of a living farm. She left home after graduating from high school and went to business college in the big city of Baton Rouge where her secretarial skills gained her a position for the State Department of Probation's Director. She supported herself through office work by day and child care evenings and weekends. Life included the experiences of living with in a boarding house where her dining and culinary talents took off.
Vera faithfully attended her church and used her glorious soprano voice to enhance the choir. Shelton Simmons came home on a visit from the perils of WWII to visit his parents. It was there he saw the stunning Vera Cruse and whispered to his mom, I'm going to marry that yellow haired girl in the choir.
Vera married Dec 4, 1945 where she devotedly gave her life to enhancing her husband's career, her family and her community. She attended seminary for a short time where her two girls were born.
Faith was the hallmark of this dear lady's life. She taught scripture, Sunday School, substitute taught in the local school system, loved and laughed her way through an unprecedented adventurous life. Her friends and community so often refer to her as one of the sweetest women they ever knew. Her daughter's friends comments surround how much of an impact she had in their spiritual growth.
No words describe the footprint she leaves behind or the mark on the number of lives she loved and touched. It is to be said, truly she is severely missed, and heaven has welcomed home one of their own.
Vera is survived by her daughters, Donna Herrington and her husband Harold Ritchie, Deborah R. Simmons; grandchildren, Daniel S. Herrington, Jason Herrington, Adam Lewis, Grace Lewis; 7 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18