When I first met Vera in 1967 as a new Atlanta Altrusa Club member, she made me more aware of what an Altrusan was meant to be. She was always kind, soft spoken and helpful no matter the task. My first challenge was to become Newsletter Editor, a task I felt was too big for me. She was the first to assure me, "You can do it." A person of few words, you listened closely when she spoke and her encouragement that day was enough to make me journey into that and many other tasks after that one.

One unhappy time for Vera that I remember was an afternoon when her apartment building caught on fire. I cannot remember how I heard of it or why I was in the vicinity driving down Peachtree Road near Buckhead, but I stopped, ran across Peachtree to the front of her building. There was Vera with other residents standing outside watching the firemen in action. Her reaction was to assure me that everything would be alright, no one was injured and I should not worry about her.

She was always thinking of others and always willing to give generously of her time, talents and resources. We shall miss her very much.

I met Vera when I transferred to the Atlanta Club in 1986. She was a very active member at the time and because of her many years of Altrusa experience, she impressed me deeply. She had the knowledge and the kindness to advise and guide in all Altrusa aspects of the organization.

I traveled and shared a room with her when we both attended a District Conference in Greenville, SC. She was a most agreeable companion and we both had a wonderful time. I do remember Vera going up and down the stairs at the hotel, as she wanted to exercise and keep in shape.

Then, when she became ill and moved to her sister’s in Claxton, Georgia and even later when she moved to a Nursing home in Statesboro, Georgia, I and my husband always visited her when we were in our way to Hilton Head or Savannah for few days of vacation, as Satesboro and Claxton are just few miles off the highway.

During these short visits, Vera was always very alert and anxious to hear details about the Atlanta club and its members.

I have the best memories of Vera and I consider myself fortunate of having met her during my lifetime.

I remember the meetings we had in her beautiful home in Decatur and looking out over her garden. Vera loved Altrusa and wanted only the best for our Club, the District and International. She was always supportive of our projects and participated in every way she could! We've had members come and go but few have left their mark like Vera!

Most of all, I remember her dignity, her charm and wit! And her stories! Vera represented an age I'm afraid we've lost - she dedicated her life to helping others.

Vera, Connie Cannon and I drove to my very first Conference in Greensboro, NC. The details are no longer as sharp as they once were but I remember the driving time was pleasantly spent as we shared together on the trip up and the return trip. Vera was very proud of serving as a children’s advocate in the Decatur judicial system, making sure that children were represented fairly and well in whatever cases came before the judges.