Vera Elizabeth Everette Grooms, born November 4, 1930, to David Alexander Russell and Bessie Bertha Pruitt passed away on December 12, 2024, after a brief illness.

Vera lived a long and joyous life, 94 years, focused on spending time with family and friends. She was the mother of seven, Barbara Faye Stroud, Linda Kaye Smith, Brenda Diane Musselwhite, Wilbert Leslie Everette, Vivian Sue Walters, Carol Everette Hilbert and Daryel Wayne Everette. She had seven siblings, each of whom were very dear to her. Vera had 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Vera was a loyal and hard working employee with Burlington Industries in St Paul, NC for 45 years, initially working on the floor in the spinning department then, moving to work in the lab, conducting analysis on the cotton fibers used to make fabric.

She was very active at church at St Mark's Lutheran Church in Lumberton. Vera attended Sunday school, was active in the women's circle, and served on the alter guild. Vera participated in church socials and events. One of her favorite events on the church calendar was the 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight service.

She prepared wonderful, delicious meals enjoyed by her children and their families on Sundays after church, where the family would all talk at once, filling the air with passionate exchange only interrupted by Edwin's cackling while reading the funnies in the Robesonian.

Vera enjoyed traveling around the United States with her family and had the pleasure of seeing many attractions during her younger years. She often went camping at the North Carolina beaches and White Lake. She joined her family at many celebrations and social events. Vera enjoyed many cookouts and chicken bogs at the Robert's farm while visiting and laughing with children and grandchildren, sometimes joining in a game of softball or horseback riding.

Vera had the good fortune to live near many of her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. She spoke with joy about her grandchildren, her pleasure and pride evident as she recounted what they were doing in school, in their communities, and on their jobs.

Vera loved having all her children visit her at the same time. Even into her eighties, she would get all the annual chores, like washing draperies and trimming bushes done prior to her children's arrival for the annual work weekend to work. They were supposed to work but she had gotten it all done so that they could just visit and have a cookout.

Vera was an avid reader, a gifted gardener, and a valued friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Vera is predeceased by her parents, her two husbands, Wilbert Everette and C. A. Grooms, three daughters, Barbara Faye Stroud, Barbara Diane Musselwhite, and Vivian Sue Walters. Vera is also predeceased by six of her dear siblings and her best friend and sister-in-law, Brigette Russell.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Floyd Mortuary and Crematory, 809 E. 5th Street, Lumberton, NC. Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Floyd Mortuary and Crematory Chapel, 809 E. 5th Street, Lumberton, NC. Burial will be at New Hollywood Cemetery, New Holly Dr, Lumberton, NC.