Vera Elaine (Smith) Twining

Surrounded by her loving family with many emotional I love you moments and heartfelt stories, Vera Elaine Twining went to heaven in peace.

Vera was the youngest of nine children born to Andrew and Cora Smith who resided and flourished in the Midland, Michigan farming community. She was raised steep in faith and carried these values throughout her life and was a true disciple in the Methodist church community, playing piano at church services in her youth, teaching Sunday School as a young adult, volunteering for many bake sales and other events, and culminating as a Stephen Minister in her retirement years. Even in her final days she would ask if it was time to go to church.

During her high school years, she met a young man named Lewis Twining, who said the first time he saw her that he was so taken by her beauty and kindness, and from that moment on they were inseparable. Eventually, they eloped to Indiana to be married as Lew was drafted into the military. They often wrote love letters back and forth to each other that were recently discovered and read out loud days before her passing, which recalled in great and amusing detail the true depth of their love.

While raising four kids, Vera worked in various administrative positions at Dow Chemical, Northwood Institute and Boston Scientific.

To know Vera was to know she wanted to be involved in everything and was never a shy participant in social events wherever lived, including Midland, Michigan, Sun City West, Arizona, Houghton Lake, Michigan, and Dallas, Texas. Vera wanted to be where the action was taking place, namely the kid's and grandkid's numerous sporting events, fishing adventures, card games, church, and neighborhood socials. Often taking your call with "I need to call you back as we have friends over playing cards." She lived life fully and we are all thankful that she was appreciated by so many friends and family alike.

Lew and Vera were married 65 years and were great role models to their children, Kurt Twining and wife Glenda, Pam Stevens and husband Mark, Kevin Twining and wife Neoma, and Mark Twining and wife Julie. They had 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren at the time of Vera's passing, each of which she loved dearly. Until her memory faded in recent years, she never missed sending a birthday card to each and every family member, most of which she custom made.

She left behind a true love story, her guiding principles of life and a lifetime of memories that will be shared with future generations to come. We miss you Mom and draw comfort knowing that you are now in the house of the Lord with Dad forever.

A graveside memorial service for Vera will be held at 10am on Saturday September 30, 2023 at the Midland Municipal Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to join at this time. A celebration of Vera's life will be held at a later date in Dallas, Texas. Arrangements are under the care of Wilson MILLER Funeral Home