Vera Joyner Giddings, age 73, passed away on Monday, December 13, 2021, at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Those left to cherish her memory include: her mother, Mary O. Joyner; husband, Howard Giddings, daughter, Lori Dixon; grandson, Caden Dixon; two sisters, Vickie Cookley and Valera Commissiong, nieces Stephanie Brelsford and Stacy Cookley and nephew Stephen Cookley.  She was preceded in death by her father, Mr. William R. Joyner.

Vera was born in Williamston, North Carolina on October 21, 1948, to Mrs. Mary O. Joyner and the late Mr. William R. Joyner; she was the oldest of three daughters. Vera grew up in Baltimore, Maryland where she graduated from Western Senior High School in 1965 at sixteen years old. Four years later, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hampton University. Vera embraced lifelong learning, later obtaining both a Master's degree in School Counseling and a Masters' in Business Administration.

In 1969, Vera entered the world of work as a chemist at Allied Chemical Corporation; a short time later she transitioned into the field of education as a chemistry teacher and later a guidance counselor. Her final career change came after she moved to Arlington, Texas in 1980, where she began her tenure at Xerox Corporation; she was a driven professional with an unmatched work ethic. Vera remained a   committed and dynamic manager until retirement.

Vera was a very active Diamond Life member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., heartily embracing its vision of: sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. She was also an avid bridge player participating in clubs and playing in tournaments. Her book club created opportunities for her to meet with friends and discuss topics of mutual interest.

Vera lived an authentic accomplished life; her approach to life was essentially "to always do your best and let God do the rest." Her love for God was absolute; her faith was fundamental to her identity. She was an active member of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, serving as an usher and a member of the Comfort and Care Ministry. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother who cherished time spent with her only daughter and grandson. She was a dear and trusted friend to many who will miss her warmth, kindness, and reassuring presence.