Ms. Vera Lee Edwards, age 96, passed away November 3, 2024.  She was born on March 2, 1928 in Atmore, Alabama to Webb Henry Fickling and Tola Weekley Fickling.

Vera Lee Edwards, a native of Perdido, Alabama and long-time resident of Mobile, Alabama before moving to Miramar Beach, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend and Mrs. W.H. Fickling and her husband of 68 years, Fred Smith Edwards and brother, W.D Fickling (Jeanette).

She is survived by one son, Wayne Fred Edwards and his wife Catherine; two granddaughters, Christin L. Edwards-Salinas and her husband Jeremiah; Chelsea N. Cacciatore and her husband Mario; Great grandson, Holden C. Cacciatore; great granddaughter, Jaina Mae Cacciatore; sister, Patricia Bryant; brothers, C.L. Fickling (Mary) and Travis Fickling (Leah).

She was a graduate of Baldwin County High School and attended the Universities of Missouri and Illinois. Vera was an active member of Spring Hill Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school for over forty years, was a facilitator of the Round Table Bible Study Groups and served on various church committees.

She had a 32-year career as a civilian employee of the United States Air Force as did her husband. Their careers carried them from Mobile to U.S. Air Force Bases in Biloxi, Mississippi, Kansas City, Missouri and St. Louis, Missouri. Vera had a distinguished career, most of which she served as an Information Systems Analyst with Headquarters Air Force Communications Command (AFCC). She received numerous awards for her outstanding performance. She was selected as the AFCC Outstanding Civilian of the Year in recognition of her sustained superior skills, leadership and community service. As chief of the Administrative Communications and Records Management Division, she was project officer for developing a prototype system, including policies and procedures for creating, storage, authenticating and disposal of electronically created official documents. That prototype was approved by the Air Force for official testing.

Upon retirement from HQ AFCC located at Scott Air Force Base, Vera and her husband returned to Mobile, Alabama. She became a volunteer at Providence Hospital that led to the "fun job" of her life as manager for the Providence Hospital gift shop. What was intended to be a short time job became another 15-year career. She retired from that job and returned to volunteering at the hospital. She also volunteered at Victory Health Partners, an organization devoted to the medical treatment of patients who were under-insured or had no insurance at all.

Vera gave generously of her time, talents and resources during her life.

Graveside Services will be held at a later date at Perdido Baptist Church Cemetery;23310 County Road 47 Perdido, Alabama 36562 with Reverend Shane Fickling officiating.

Flowers are being accepted.