Vera Lee James Andersen's Obituary
Vera Lee [James] Andersen passed away peacefully on March 26, 2024 at The Culpeper, Culpeper, VA. Born in Washington, DC on May 31, 1927, Vera’s early childhood was during the Great Depression. Helen, her older sister and Vera were raised in Washington, D.C. in a loving blue-collar family. Her father worked in the Washington, D.C. train yards as a maintenance mechanic, struggling to make ends meet for the family.
She graduated from Eastern High School with her best friend Louise. They stayed in contact for the rest of their lives and later in life, Vera and family helped support Louise and her family who were missionaries in Java. After high school, she attended Kings College in Delaware. There she met the love of her life, Allen.
They married at Westover Baptist Church in Arlington, VA. Both became active in their church as choir director and organist. Their involvement in church continued throughout their life – particularly in the music field. In 1951 they began their family while Vera worked as a secretary at the US Department of Interior. As the family grew, they moved several times in Northern VA., each time increasing the house size by one bedroom. Their family was complete with five children – David, Nancy, Brenda, Steven and Scott. In 1970, Vera suffered a devastating fall down the second story steps with injuries that left her permanently handicapped. She continued to be the wonderful wife and mother, rarely letting her impairment get in the way. Some of her fondest memories were camping trips with her children in their travel trailer and a special Bermuda cruise with her husband. As empty nesters, Allen and Vera moved to Fredericksburg, VA to leave the northern VA traffic and pace and, to be closer to her daughter, Nancy and grandchildren. Later, they moved to PA and designed their last home just across a country road from their daughter, Brenda and family.
As her husband developed Parkinson’s Disease, a move to the Riverwoods Life Care Community was necessary. Vera continued to live there in a comfortable apartment after Allen’s death.
As her health began to fail in, she moved into The Culpeper Assisted living complex in Culpeper, VA. Under their outstanding, loving and professional care she crossed over to paradise to meet her Lord and Savior.
Her greatest love on earth was reserved for her family. Her role as wife, mother, Nana, and Great Nana were legendary. She relished many special times together.
She will be remembered for her piano playing; she could play any hymn without music and with her own special embellishments. She ensured each of her children was introduced to music including piano, trumpet, flute, violin. She passed her expertise in baking and delicious recipes down to children who still enjoy special holiday treats with their families. Most of all, her walk with the Lord was a testament to her steady faith, unswerving hope and extravagant love.
Vera was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd E. James and Myrtice [Corbin] James, her sister, Helen Hart, her husband, Allen F. Andersen, and her son-in-law, Michael Olson.
She is survived by all five children, and their spouses; 19 grandchildren, and their spouses; and 27 great grandchildren.
A graveside family service to celebrate her life will be held at the Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Quantico, VA on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 10:30 a.m.to 11 a.m. The procession will be starting in lane D.
A Celebration of Life will follow from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mountain Run Winery, 10753 Mountain Run Lake Road, Culpeper, VA 22701.
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