Obituary of Vera Mae Williams
WILLIAMS, Vera M.
May 7, 1941 – May 11, 2018
Ms. Vera Williams was born May 7, 1941, in Wetumpka, Alabama to the late Inez Purifoy and Frank Cockrell. She graduated from Elmira Free Academy and continued her education at Elmira College. Vera loved writing poetry and was a published poet. She enjoyed family genealogy and loved reading about African –American History, but most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Although throughout her life she had many professions, the one she loved the most was working with children for Elmira City School District. In 1965 she was awarded the Lady Bird Johnson Award for piloting the first Head Start Program. Vera was predeceased by her beloved grandparents, Annie Lee Floyd and Edward Purifoy, her parents, Inez Purifoy and Frank Cockrell and her brothers Frank Cockrell Jr and Anthony C. Mayo. Vera departed this life on May 11, 2018. Although it was unexpected, she went peacefully to the LORD in her sleep. She leaves five children to carry on her legacy; Pamela (Robert Agnew) Williams of Endwell, NY, Junie (Anne) Williams of Endwell, NY, John (Jodi Grau) Williams of Binghamton, NY, Catherine (Kent) Fulwood of Liverpool, NY, and Lynnette (Thomas) Kerwan of Big Flats, NY. Vera leaves three brothers; Wayne Mayo of Binghamton, NY, Darryl Garner of Elmira, NY, and Darnell Mayo (Lori Ann) of Horseheads, NY. She also leaves behind five grandchildren Latasha, Joshua, Andrew, Amari, Ayla and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Vera would also like for us to mention special friends and family that were dear to her; Lisa Nichols, Ira Heyward, Vivian Jones, and Roberta Green. The family wishes to send a special thanks to all the staff and friends at the Marion Manor in Endwell, NY. Family and friends are invited to visit the Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira, on Thursday May 17, 2018 from 11 am to 12 pm. Ms. Williams’s funeral services will be held there at 12 pm. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Acknowledgement: the family of Vera M. Williams would like to express our sincere gratitude for all the kindness shown to us during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Ernie Davis Scholarship Program, www.erniedavisscholarship.org.