Vera Mae Beasley

Vera Mae Beasley, age 94, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on May 28, 2025. She was born on July 8, 1930 in Hazlehurst, Mississippi to Bill and Mamie Odom.
She was a spunky, 4'11" woman of God, and while dainty in size and stature, she was a strong-minded individual who would never shy away from standing up for any causes she believed in. She had a true passion for singing old church hymns-a particularly favorite was "Blessed Assurance", and she lived her life by that because Jesus and is, hers. She not only loved her family, but her church family as well, with al that was within her. Her life was a testament of true Christianity, and Vera Mae enjoyed her life to the fullest. With quick wit and contagious laughter, her playful banter could uplift anyone's spirits. Our mama loved to have her fun.
Vera married her childhood sweetheart, Melvin Arthur "Toby" Beasley on December 3, 1957. No stranger to hard work, Vera was a salesclerk at Beasley's grocery stores and even built the first fire for Beasley's smokehouse in 1975, as well as being secretary for the company for many years. It doesn't stop there, as she had great culinary skills that were appreciated by many! She could fix a mean pot roast with rice and gravy, purple hull peas, and a delicious pecan pie-true staples at the supper table, with no scraps left behind.
Despite her dementia diagnosis in 2017, it was never a match for her ability to recollect the songs you'd request her to sing. She would happily serenade any listening ears, further impressing everyone by remembering every word in each verse. There was always a tune in her heart.
Vera is now singing in heaven with her parents, Bill and Mamie Odom, and all of her 8 siblings. She is survived by her husband of 67 ½ years, Toby Beasley; children Richard (LaNita) Beasley, Sissie (Charles) Wright, Bruce Beasley, as well as 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Cricket.
Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Saturday, May 31, at First Baptist Church in Buna with burial at Morse Cemetery under the direction of Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home in Buna. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Friday at the church.