Vera Mae Beasley was born on March 13, 1924, to the late Barnabas and Inez Thompson of Braden, Fayette County, Tennessee. She was the eldest of eight children. — Julius, Barnabas Jr, Carrie, Irvin, Ocie, Shirley, and Lois. She is survived by sister Carrie Bolds, sisters-in-law Beatrice Thompson & Hattie Thompson and Brother-in-law Dean Hennings.

Vera was raised in a God-fearing Home where her parents were deeply involved in their church. Accordingly, she accepted Christ as her savior and was baptized at an early age at Mount Sinai missionary Baptist Church in Tennessee.
Vera received her education from the Fayette County school district.

Vera married the love of her life, Paul Beasley, on November 6, 1943, and they moved from Tennessee to Akron, Ohio in 1946. From their union came the blessing of eight children. Vera did not take her role lightly in becoming a phenomenal wife, who balanced the demands of work outside of the home with raising her children – Paul Franklin Beasley (Lori; Jean now deceased), Laverne Beasley, Gertrude Bennett, Harley Beasley (Debbie), Clifford Beasley, Vernon Beasley, Wayne Beasley and Kevin Beasley. Additionally, she is survived by 12 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.

Vera was not anxious to move from Tennessee to Ohio, but she shared the hope with her husband, Paul, that life would be better than continuing in the South. She took the move to Akron in stride although she always wanted to be closer to her family in Tennessee. However, she accepted that Tennessee would have to be relegated to family vacations. So, she did her best at supporting her family’s involvement within their community starting with joining the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Akron.

Most days she was always preparing big, delicious meals, but on the weekends, she really made them into very special events. She loved big family gatherings, and this was her way of enticing them to show up. She would have prepared several courses for the meal and afterwards there would be awesome desserts. This was her way of showing LOVE to everyone coming to her home.

While Vera demonstrated extraordinary strength and virtuous character throughout her life often-times in quiet solitude, the instances of caring for terminally ill children were the most challenging. Through her toughest moments, she showed everyone what the Bible teaches about service to family, compassion, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and the all-encompassing act of LOVE along with the peace of Christ. The scriptures being read today capture the essence of who Vera has been for over 100 years, including I Corinthians 13: 4-7. For this extraordinary life of Service to Family and the Christ-like role model you have demonstrated, your family says thanks and well done on a life well lived.

Friends may call, Saturday, March 1, 2025, 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Sommerville Funeral Home. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m.