Obituary of Vera Pied

A wonderfully spirited wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Vera Avery Pied, age 74, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2014. The tremendous courage and grace she displayed in her five-year battle with ovarian cancer is an inspiration to everyone she touched. Vera was born January 3, 1940, in Holly Springs, Mississippi; the seventh of eight living children. Vera is survived by her husband Roosevelt, son Richard, daughter Simone (Carl), granddaughters La Shawna and Simone, and sister Rosa, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her childhood was filled with valuable lessons of charity, hard work, and determination. After having attended St. Mary's High School and Northern High School (1959), she joined the Women's Army Corps. While serving in 1960, Vera met and married fellow serviceman Richard S. Avery, Jr. They were blessed with two children; Richard "Sharky" and Simone "Missy". In 1974, two years following the death of her first husband, Vera met and married Roosevelt Pied, a career Army soldier. Her roles as a military wife and mother were central in her life. While stationed in Arizona, Georgia, Germany, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming, she traveled extensively, discovering surrounding states and countries. During her working career, she held several positions, including librarian, Base Exchange retail manager, and licensed practical nurse. In 1986, she earned her Bachelors Degree from the University of Wyoming and in 1991 her Masters Degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. Tragically, in 1992 Vera was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which forced her early retirement. In 1986, Vera and Roosevelt were stationed at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, where they chose to retire. Upon retirement, Roosevelt was promoted to the highest ranking enlisted position in the Southwest region, Command Sergeant Major (E-9). At that time, Vera was recognized for her integral role and outstanding support in this prestigious lifetime achievement. Amid the Tucson Mountain foothills, Vera spent her retirement years helping others in need, entertaining family and friends, playing Spades, quilting colorful masterpieces, reading, and enjoying her beloved felines. She also cherished her involvement in the Most Holy Trinity Parish and the Tucson Quilters Guild. Although Vera's journey has ended, she touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed. Her caring and generous spirit will live on in the memories of all those she knew and loved. Memorial mass service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014, 10:00 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Parish; 1300 N. Greasewood Road; Tucson, AZ 85745.