Vera Gray Raines

Vera Gray Fornes Raines, 67, of Ernul, passed away March 13, 2026.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who loved her family deeply. For many years, she found joy in gardening, tending flowers and plants of every kind with patience and care. When illness made it too difficult to work in her garden, she turned her focus to painting landscapes, continuing to create beauty even as her health declined.

Her resilience and unwavering devotion to her family will be remembered always.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, John Raines Sr.; her sons, John Raines Jr. (Sheila Raines) and Curtis Raines (Amanda Raines); her grandchildren, Summer Raines, John Raines III (TJ), and Reilly Edge; her siblings, Steve Fornes, Arvis Fornes (Glenda Fornes), and Patty Fornes; and several beloved nieces and nephews, including Preston and Nancy; Jenny and Chuck; Daniel; Andrew and Keith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Fornes and Vivian Fornes; and her siblings, Billy Fornes, Leslie Fornes, and Judy Morton.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, March 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Vanceboro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a local animal rescue or spay and neuter organization in honor of Vera's love for animals, especially her beloved Lhasa Apso, Buttons.