Vera Terry Lee Cox

When tomorrow starts without me

When tomorrow starts without me. Please try to understand that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. The angel said my place was ready, in heaven far above and that I had to leave behind all those I dearly love. But when I walked through Heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home, for God looked down, smiled at me and told me “Welcome Home”. So, when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart…..

 Vera

Vera Vann Lee was born on April 3, 1940, in Marshville, North Carolina, to Willie and Geneva Lee. After the early loss of her mother, Vera was raised by her father and her stepmother, Lenora Lee. Excelling academically, Vera was double promoted and graduated at sixteen from Central High School in Detroit, Michigan. She pursued careers in nursing and as a realtor and broker. After retiring from nursing, she maintained her license and volunteered at Divine Destiny Adult Care in Smithfield, NC.

Vera was the matriarch to nine children: Yvonne, Charles, Denise, Frankie, Katrina, Chandra, Karla, Kimberly, and Kenneth.

She leaves behind a legacy cherished by Yvonne Terry (MI), Denise Islam (MI), Katrina Atkinson (Eddie, NC), Chandra Brice (Anthony, TN), Karla Cox (MI), Kimberly Cox (CA), Kenneth Lee (GA), Carolyn Terry (MI), fourteen grandchildren, thirty-nine great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, her special cousin Thomas Redfern, and a multitude of relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by Geneva Lee (mother), Willie Lee (father), Lenora Lee (stepmother), John Lee (brother), Charles Terry (son), Frankie Lee (son/nephew), Justin Davis (grandson), Angelo Williams (grandson), and Messiah Holmes (grandson).

Vera embraced Christ early in life, being baptized at Flint Ridge Baptist Church in Marshville, NC. After moving to Michigan, she attended Greater King Solomon Baptist Church. A generous soul, Vera supported many church projects and last attended The Church of Refuge in Smithfield, NC. Her impact through nursing, real estate, and her character was profound. Known for her 'Vera’s Special,' she would feed anyone a meal or dessert, regardless of whether they knew what it was. Vera's passions included reading, cooking, traveling, games of chance, and working. She was not a person of many words unless she gave practical advice even if you did not want to hear it. 

Vera was a person who lived by her actions. She shows her love, compassion, and empathy through her actions. She was frugal yet she enjoyed the finer things in life. She believed in making positive memories with her family. “I might not give you everything, but I can give you memories, the best value in life”. And she did… 

To our Matriarch 

Momma, Ma, Mother, Queen, Grandma, GG 

In our hearts, we thought of you today. But that’s nothing new 

We thought of you yesterday, and the days before that too.

We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. Now we all have our memories, not all the same. We have your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake, which we will never part.

God has you in his keeping 

We have you in our hearts 

With all our Love 

Your Children & Grands