Mrs. Vera Jeweleen Wormley

Celebrating The Life Of Vera Jeweleen Wormley: Announcement of Death: Vera Jeweleen Caroline Hawthorn Hamilton Wormley lived to the ripe old age of 100 years. She resided in Detroit, Michigan for over 60 years. Vera passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 6:15 P.M. In the First Door Adult Foster Care Home. Her devoted daughter, Joanne and loving cousins, Minni June and Geraldine were at her bedside during those waning hours before she went home to be with the Lord. Celebration of Life: Vera Wormley, affectionately known as Jeweleen was born in Washington, Arkansas on November 16, 1916 to Lucy Samuel Hamilton and James Hamilton. Vivian Jefferson, her younger sister preceded her in death. Vera grew up with her play brothers, Buddy and Howard Turner in Washington, Arkansas. She accepted Christ at an early age and attended St. Paul C.M.E. Church in Washington, Arkansas. She attended school until eighth grade, after finishing the eighth grade, she had a choice to go back to work in the cotton fields or leave Washington, Arkansas and attend school in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her Aunt Lottie made arrangements for her to attend Dunbar High School and live and work for Miss Wallace. Vera then went on to Dunbar Jr. College where she graduated in 1939. After graduation she taught school for seven months in Churchill, Arkansas. She met James Wormley an Army Officer and married him on November 1, 1942. She later moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1943 with her good friend Willie Mae Morrison. She began working as a Rosie the Riveter during World War II, making fighter planes. She met Wilson Corley and had a daughter, her only child, Joanne who she said looked like a "little eskimo!" She was a loving mom although stern! She taught her the values of education, work and trusting in the Lord!! Vera worked on Hastings Street as a waitress at the Alhambra Restaurant. She later began working at the Army Tank Automotive Command for 30 years where she retired (1952-1982). Vera was a clerk and team leader, although she trained many young women, she never received her well deserved promotion. After retirement, she attended Wayne State University at the age of 65, she studied Art, English and Philosophy. Vera attended Ebenezer A.M.E. Church where she was a member of the Dorcus Usher Board for many years, greeting the congregation as they entered the chapel. She also was a member of the Eastern Star Evergreen Chapter King David Lodge, the Dunbar Alumni Association, the Modernette Social Club, which sponsored many trips to places as far away as Montreal, Atlanta and New York. She played cards with the Tenerette Social Club. She enjoyed cooking for the club meetings. Some of her favorite recipes were: salmon croquettes and rice, turkey and dressing and she made a delicious apple pie! She paid her dues (tithes) faithfully to Ebenezer A.M.E. Church up until her death. She loved doing crossword puzzles, watching the news, Jeopardy and the Detroit Pistons. Vera loved to tell stories about her family especially about her granddad, Robert Grigsby Samuel, who was a Republican that registered many Negros to vote during the early 1900's. Vera was the first African American to move on Seneca Street in 1954 where she lived for 60 years until she was 98 years old. She was a dues paying member of the Seneca Iroquois Block Club. She contributed to many charitable organizations. She believed in the value of giving to receive. She was a prayer warrior who kneeled every night to give thanks to the Lord. Vera lived a long and prosperous life and she will not be forgotten. We love you Vera and will always keep you in our hearts.

Mrs. Vera Jeweleen Wormley

November 16, 1916 - March 4, 2017