Vera D. Bugg

On Thursday, June 18, 2009, the Earthly sojourn of our dear mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Ms. Vera Dale Bugg, was called to an end. On this day, she arose and followed the Lord to dwell in His house forever.

Born to Dorothy Forte on Oct. 30, 1948, "Momma Vera" was raised in Miami by her Aunt Viola. At an early age she developed a love for music and later explored the art by playing a host of instruments such as the flute and clarinet. This love led her to become an avid clarinet player in the Booker T. Washington High School Band. Ms. Vera later relocated to Chicago, where she gave birth to her only child, Joseph Dale Bugg Sr. Her loved for this nation, the beauty of water and fascination with learning, travel and adventure led her to enlist and serve proudly in the United States Naval Force. Upon her discharge, she continued to travel, meet new faces and touch lives. She later returned to her birthplace of Petersburg, Va., where she resided her remaining years.

Upon her return, her love and educational training in hotel and restaurant management as well as culinary arts prepared her second career as a restaurant manager of several restaurant chains (Taco Bell, Burger King and Wendy's). She took great pride in her career and desired to teach and demonstrate with her staff, especially teenagers and all who would listen, the importance of good work ethic. Her tenure as a Wilcohess, LLC employee (Wendy's) ceased when Ms. Vera became ill and later passed due to a short and sudden illness.

"Momma Vera" was preceded in Earthly departure by her brother; mother, Dorothy Forte; and cherished grandson, Joseph Dale Bugg Jr.

She leaves here on Earth to celebrate her life and treasure her pleasant memories, her dear son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Dale Bugg Sr. and Tabitha Birchette Bugg; dearly loved grandchildren, Miss "Jokayla," Miss "Nisaa," Miss "Asha," Little Miss "Nasya" and Mr. "Jo'el," and their family. She also leaves a devoted and beloved friend of 28 years, Jerri Murden of Norfolk and family; daughter, Angela; grandchildren, Kiana and Elisha, who were all greatly cherished by Ms. Vera. She is also celebrated by her church family, and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends, who were all like family.

Prior to her passing, the "Good Shepherd" remained faithful to the good work He begun in her, sought out His lost sheep, prepared her heart and proclaimed to His daughter, Vera, "Behold thy salvation cometh; with His reward with Him, and His work before Him."

Later on June 5, 2009, old things passed away and all things became new as Ms. Vera received by faith salvation that patiently awaited; her with the reward of righteousness, joy, and peace, deliverance, holiness, and the gift of the Holy Spirit; and the promise of eternal life and a glorified body; with the work before Him — the good work He began in her, He faithfully completed thus said, "Daughter thy faith has made thee whole, go in peace, and be whole of thy plague" and she was. We rejoice that she was set free from all that plagued her and we rejoice in the new life received in her remaining time with us. She was given beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that she may be called a tree of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Our dear sister, our dear mother became a holy people, the redeemed of the Lord, no longer called Forsaken, but renamed Sought Out, a city not Forsaken. We rejoice in knowing that our mother has joined the Savior and the great cloud of witnesses in heaven, cheering us on to run our race for the Lord. Hallelujah!

In celebration of Sister Vera Bugg's life, new birth and homegoing, a thanksgiving memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2009, at The Spoken Word of God Outreach Ministry, 23 Wythe St., Petersburg, Va.; Pastor William Wright and Co-Pastor Carmelita "Regina" Wright officiating.

The family may be contacted by calling (804) 255-5086.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.