The Valdosta Daily Times
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Beloved sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Vera passed away peacefully at home in Portland, Ore., early Wednesday morning, March 28, 2012 after suffering a stroke earlier in the month. Born May 4, 1927, to Clifton and Vera Wilson in Valdosta, Ga., she was the youngest of three daughters and grew up in the warmth of a small town, establishing life-long, close friendships. Vera graduated from Georgia State Women’s College, now Valdosta State University, in 1948 and after working a few years, moved to Portland in 1950 to join her sister and brother-in-law. There she met and married Douglas H. Drynan in 1952 and had two daughters, Virginia and Adair. Divorcing in 1967, Vera never remarried, but enjoyed an active social life with the many friends she made over the years. An exceptional secretary, she retired in 1992 after 18 years with the law firm Stoel Rives.
Vera is survived by her daughters, four granddaughters, eight great-grandchildren, sisters Dorothy Matre of Albany, GA., and Mary Sue Southgate of Bellingham, Wash., and extended family and friends.
Honoring her adamant wishes that no funeral or memorial be held, we ask that her loved ones raise a glass and say a toast to this sweet, charming, funny, sassy, southern lady. Donations may be made in Vera’s honor to the Lowndes County Historical Society, The Carter Center, or the Southern Poverty Law Center. Cremation and inurnment will be at Finley-Sunset Hills in Portland, Ore.
