Vera Mae Barnum Demery

Vera Mae Barnum was born on October 23, 1943 in
Houston, Texas to the late Zeno Barnum, Sr. and Lee Ethel
Barnum.
BARNUM
Vera was educated in the Houston Independent School
District and graduated from Kashmere High School. She
went on to attend Trade School and worked as Recorder
in the Harris County Court System. She found her love for
the Lord at a young age and attended services regularly
during her childhood at Jordan Grove Baptist Church
and Spiritual Temple No. 1.
She met and married Joe Johnson. From their union four children were lovingly raised.
Vera became a
member of The Church at Bethel's Family in the early 2000's, where she quickly let her presence and
personality be known. She was a Senior Chief Staff member who held the title of many positions available
at the Church. A devoted child of God, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, family member, friend,
and a listener. She loved traveling, casinos, bingo, family gatherings, eating other people's cooking,
socializing, writing songs, singing, and reading and making notes in the Bible.
Later in life, she went on to marry Rufus Demery, who preceded her in death.
She was a mother to all and kin to everyone from the Natchitoches area,
"I-nachie Baby" as they called
her, she was one of a kind! She was truly well liked and well loved by many!
A week prior to her transitioning, her youngest brother Elmer Lucious Barnum,
"'Uncle Pukie: passed away.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents: Zeno Barnum, Sr. & Lee Ethel Barnum; her brothers: Melvin,
James, Ralph, & Elmer Barnum; her sister: Eddie Mae; her husband: Rufus Demery, Sr; her sons: Elmo Lee
Smith, Jr., Tyrus Lemont Smith; her daughter: Vundolyn Wemonia Johnson and her stepdaughter: Marteal
Demery.
Vera memories will be cherished by her children: Gwendolyn W. Thomas, Jondolyn W. Duncan (Quinn
Duncan), Thealonius A. Johnson, & Eldon A. Johnson; her bonus children: Rufus Demery, Jr., Cedric Demery,
& LaKeitha Demery; her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and host
of good friends.

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