Ms. Vera Denise Simmons

Vera Simmons, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, and devoted friend, transitioned from labor to reward with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, May 6, 2023. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. (II Tim. 4:7). This was Vera's testimony. Vera was born in Newport News, VA on June 16, 1955, to the late Jerry and Magdalene Faison. She was educated in the Newport News Public School System and participated in several clubs and sang in the chorus. She graduated from Warwick High School in 1973. Her parents, Jerry and Magdalene raised Vera and her siblings in the Christian faith and attended Ivy Baptist Church, where she would later meet and marry, the late musical genius Frank A. Nelson. From that union were born two loving daughters Traci and Alana. Vera was a hard worker and had a career in the City of Newport News as a teacher's aide and United States Postal Service in the City of Norfolk as a mail clerk. She dedicated thirty-two years of service to the post office and was blessed to be able to retire in 2018. Upon her retirement, Vera spent quality time in ministry and dedicated her time to her family and church. Vera was loved and adored for her infectious smile and laugh, and her strong political views. She loved to talk and debate! She would challenge those she "talked" to about their political stance. She had strong Christian and moral values and didn't mind expressing them to you whether you agreed or not. She also loved all her grandbabies and lovingly, encouraged them to be saved and covered them in prayer, and ministered to their needs. Most of all, Vera loved Jesus Christ and serving in ministry. She was faithful and would serve in any capacity that was needed whether it was teaching Sunday school, leading praise and worship, or ushering. Her desire was to be used as a vessel by God. She was a faithful servant at El Shaddai Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Dave Young and later at Household of Faith Builders Ministries under the leadership of Pastors Leroy and Regina Gilliam. During the pandemic, Vera began attending True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ under the leadership of Bishop Jackson. Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Magdalene Faison, grandson, Jordan Nelson, and brothers, Edward and Jerome Faison. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughters Traci Coleman (Travis) and Alana Nelson (fiancé, Delfonzo Washington); nine loving grandchildren; Joshua Nelson, Jeremiah Nelson, Jaquan Nelson, Jada Nelson, Tianna Nelson, Jessica Nelson, Dwight Hawkins Jr., D'Laysiah Hawkins, and Nia Nelson; two great-grandchildren, Kayson Nelson, and Karter Nelson: two sisters, Brenda Parker, and Renee Faison; sister-in- love, A. Renee Faison; nieces, Helen and Carolyn Faison, Melody Hardy(Anthony); great niece Melissa Stallworth(Marquis), Joanna Faison; Nephews, Darryl Faison, John Parker, and Jonathan Faison; great-nephews, Miguel Jimenez, Andres Jimenez; great-great nephews Jaden Jimenez, Marvell Stallworth and Marshall Stallworth; one Aunt Louise Patterson, a special friend, Ms. Spicer, as well as many other cousins, close relatives, and friends. She will be greatly missed!

Ms. Vera Denise Simmons

June 16, 1955 - May 6, 2023