On December 12, 2018, our Mom, Ganny, Great-Ganny, Gigi, Pat passed from this life into eternal life. Her leaving saddens us, but we rejoice in the memories of her life.

Vera was born on December 9, 1926 in Lunenburg County, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Sparrell Clayton and Rada Martin Rakes. After growing up in Patrick County, Vera married her sweetheart, Lloyd Elwood Bryant, and moved to Fieldale where they reared their family, finally settling in Collinsville in 1973. Lloyd preceded her in death in 2006. They were married for 59 blissful years.

Vera had an unwavering faith in Christ, and she served many roles during her long-time membership of First Baptist Church in Collinsville. She dearly loved her family and friends, her church, her crocheting, homemaking, and serving others.

Surviving are Vera’s three daughters and their husbands: Linda and David Hendon of Charlottesville, VA, Debra Bryant and Larry Groves of Charlottesville, VA, and Beth and David Laine of Stanardsville, VA. Vera loved all children, but especially her seven grandchildren and their spouses: Sara Hendon Heisler and husband Jack of Richmond, VA, Julia Hendon and husband Ken Yates of Charlottesville, VA, Dustin Groves and wife Aislinn of Charlottesville, VA, Jessi Groves and husband Jack Paine of Rochester, NY, Allison Laine Lyford and husband John of Cannon Air Force Base, NM, Mary Ashley Laine and husband Joel Holland of Vail, CO, and Ryan Laine and wife Sarah of Langley Air Force Base, VA. Vera’s legacy also includes six great-grandchildren: John Albert Heisler, VI, Adeline Lloyd Heisler, Lyal William Groves, Elliotte Elizabeth Lyford, John Lyford VI, and Laine Victoria Lyford.

Family and friends of Vera are invited to attend a service in her honor at the Chapel of Norris Funeral Services, 1500 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA on Monday, December 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will take place at Roselawn Burial Park in Martinsville.

Those who had the fortunate experience to know Vera were surely blessed. Her life is a testament of sacrifice and devotion to others, especially her family. Our hope is that we can each represent a small piece of her in our daily lives.

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