Vera Griffin Aldridge

Vera Griffin Aldridge, 88, of Roanoke, left us to be embraced in the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. After being orphaned at age ten, Vera resided in the Methodist Childrens home in Winston Salem. During WWII, Vera worked in a factory that supported the war effort. Though the use of the part she made was never revealed to her, she was confident of the necessity of her contribution. Her most often talked about memory of that period of her life was when she could enjoy a donut because the local Krispy Kreme had enough sugar to make a batch. Vera met her husband, Lawrence Emanuel Aldridge Sr., in Roanoke while staying with her half-sister. She worked at Roanoke Memorial Hospital after graduating from nursing school. Later, she worked at the Methodist Home and retired from Brandon Oaks. Vera was an active member of Cave Spring United Methodist Church for most of her life. Vera lost her husband at age 54. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Van of Monroe, NC; her son and daughter-in-law, Lawrence Emanuel Aldridge, Jr. and Barbara Aldridge; her daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Andre Lucas; grandsons, Gregory Aldridge and Ryan Lucas; granddaughter, Andrea Bailey; and great-grandchildren, Eric Aldridge, Maigan Aldridge, Kenny Lucas, Bradley Lucas, Brittany Byram, Jarrett Boitnott, Mason Boitnott, Chelsea Bailey, and Derek Bailey. Her family and friends will always miss her bluntness which she regarded as honesty and the men and boys in her life will never again have the worlds leading authority on hair length critique their hairstyle. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at South Roanoke Nursing Home for taking such good care of Vera in her final days. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 3 p.m. at the Cave Spring United Methodist Church in Roanoke. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to her beloved church at 4505 Hazel Drive in Roanoke, VA 24018. The Aldridge family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home and Crematory in Salem, 540-389-5441.