Vera Gilbert Burge was born July 4, 1920, to the late Charlie Gilbert, Sr., and Mrs. Cornelia Holiday Gilbert. She was one of fourteen children born to this union.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bera "Bud" Burge. In addition, she was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Ben Gilbert and Charlotte Houston, and by her only granddaughter, Gwendolyn Denise Simmons.

On August 16, 2018, the Lord whispered and called her home quietly in her sleep, with no more pain nor sorrow.

Vera accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age and joined the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church of Florence, Alabama. She later joined St. James Missionary Baptist Church of Leighton, Alabama. She was full of joy and life, and loved her family dearly. She never met a stranger. She loved fishing, gardening, and nature.

She leaves to cherish Her memories: her loving and devoted daughter, Clara Simmons (Leon) of Florence; sisters, Annie Mae Gilbert Baugh (John T. Baugh) and Katie Gilbert Simmons, both of Florence; brothers, Otis Gilbert (Josephine) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Charlie Gilbert, Sr. (Sandra) of Muscle Shoals, and Robert Thompson (Gloria) of Lima, Ohio; sister-in-law, Geraldine Gilbert of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandchildren, Leon Simmons, Jr. (Gladys) of Florence, Gregory Simmons of Riverside, California, and Zachary Simmons of Florence; great-grandchildren, Justin Simmons, Damien Simmons, DJ Minor, Malcolm Simmons, Jordan Simmons, Abby Clara Simmons, Vania Simmons, and Corey Thompson; nine great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends, including a devoted and loving friend, Ms. Henrietta Rhodes.