Vera Lee Parks

Vera Lee was born on January 11, 1949 to Verge Sr and Ora Lee Chattmon. Vera was raised in Oakland, CA where she was baptized at Mt. Calvary Baptist church. Vera was one of seven children including Virgie Mae, Eugene, Ora Fay, Edgar (Pinkie), Verge Jr, and Deborah.

Vera graduated from Dewey High school in 1967 then went on to work for Blue Cross Insurance for 21 years. From there, she worked for Party City as a store manager until her retirement in 2009. After retirement she took to her favorite role as a full time Granny. Vera loved volunteering at the children’s school, teaching others to read, helping with events, and being a cheerleader for all her adopted grandbabies.

In 2004, Vera was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma which is a cancer that attacks the plasma cells inside the bone marrow. Even when given only a few years to live, she defied the odds and lived over 20 years. Her tenacity while living with this disease allowed her to see her family grow and thrive. She was a familiar and friendly face at UCSF where she received her care. Vera received every treatment with laughter and grace which was a testament to her long life despite the incurable disease. Vera was an avid reader, especially books by James Patterson which read with her dog Chewy by her side.

Vera passed peacefully and comfortably at home on August 9, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents Verge and Ora Lee Chattmon, brothers Eugene, Edgar, Verge Jr and sister Virgie Mae.

She leaves to cherish her memory; son Eric, daughter Alisha, grandchildren Candice, Layla, Xiomara and JaSyn. Sisters Ora Fay, Deborah, and a host of nieces and nephews. She also left behind many who knew her as Momma Vera or just Granny.