In Memory of

Vera

Mae

Chism

(White)

Obituary for Vera Mae Chism (White)

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to either, The Living Classroom, https://livingclassrooms.org/donate or the See Forever Foundation, https://seeforever.networkforgood.com/ in the name of Vera Chism.

On October 23, 2023, Vera Mae Chism, a cherished daughter of John Henry White and Lorene Pierce White, passed peacefully. Born and raised in the heart of Texas, Vera was a beacon of love, laughter, warmth, wisdom, and dedication.

Vera graduated from Delaware State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She later earned her Master’s Degree and continued her education throughout her career. While attending DSU she was named Homecoming Queen and she met the love of her life, the captain of the football team, Earl Chism. They were married for 64 years and became loving parents to Kenny and Lisa, adoring in-laws to Maureen and devoted grandparents to Madeleine and Earl, III.

For 27 years, she touched countless lives as a beloved teacher. Her passion for knowledge was matched only by her boundless compassion for her students. There were long lines and much anticipation as class lists were produced to see who would be lucky enough to get a seat in Mrs. Chism’s class. She made learning an adventure, infusing her classrooms with enthusiasm and creativity while being a trailblazer in the use of computers and technology in her lesson plans.

Vera had an amazing ability to nurture and elevate those around her. Whether it be family, friend or student, she would identify a skill or ability they have and help them grow it. And while helping them, their knowledge and confidence would also grow to help them realize all that they were capable of and she would do this

without them being aware that she was doing it. A true innovator she embraced the ever-evolving landscape of technology in education. She saw its potential to enhance learning experiences and fearlessly integrated it into her teaching methods. Her forward-thinking approach inspired both students and colleagues alike.

Vera was a pillar of quiet, unassuming, strength and love within her family. Her nurturing spirit, unwavering support, and unconditional love created a home filled with warmth and laughter. A stalwart Dallas Cowboys fan she followed them passionately through the years suffering and celebrating the the team’s many ups and downs.

Vera was preceded in death by her brothers Arthur, M.C., John, Rudolph and Clarence and her sisters Lucille, and JoAnn, and is survived by her tall, Texas brothers, Robert, Ronnie, Sam and David and her amazing sisters, Marion and Ida. Through her wonderful marriage she is also survived by many in-laws, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces with whom she shared very close and loving relationships.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the generations of students she guided toward bright futures. She was always kind, always teaching, always quick to smile and laugh and listen. Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her legacy of love, compassion, pursuit of knowledge and innovation will continue to inspire us all.

May Peace be with all of you