Vera Lee Pugh

Vera’s journey through life was one of love, hard work, and deep faith. She met the love of her life, Collis Pugh, on the family farm in Alabama, where both of their parents were sharecroppers. They married shortly after meeting and began their life together, eventually relocating to New Jersey to raise their three children.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Vera was a hardworking woman known for her many talents. She was a gifted seamstress and cook, famous for her delicious sweet potato pies. In addition to being a homemaker, she held several jobs throughout the years, but her most cherished role was as the "neighborhood Nana." Vera’s home was a sanctuary for many, and she lovingly opened her doors to all the children in the neighborhood. No one who came to her home ever left hungry, and all were welcomed with warmth and affection.

A woman of great faith, Vera was actively involved in the churches in the communities where she lived. In 2018, she moved to Palm Coast, Florida, to live with her son and his family as her health began to decline.

Vera was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Collis Pugh (2001); her son, Richard Pugh (1974); her granddaughter, Deidra Boykins, god-daughter Susan Breedlove Scott (2023) and her daughter-in-law, Ernestine Pugh, who passed away in September of this year.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her son, William Pugh; daughter, Joann Ford Betts; grandchildren, Hakimah Lewis (William-deceased), Antoine Ford, Daniel Ford III, Monique Baldwin, and Sybill Brown; 14 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; god-daughter Delisia Richardson (Willie), adopted daughter Frances Betts Singleton and a host of other relatives and friends who will deeply miss her.

Vera’s legacy of love, generosity, and faith will live on through the lives she touched. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.