Vera Dainton Manley was born to Jack Dainton and Edna Dean in Southport, England 24 September 1940 near the beginning of World War II. Living in rural England during the war. She recalled the nighttime bombing raids from Germany. When the sirens would sound, everyone would turn down the lights and close the blackout curtains. The next day they would take the pram and collect firewood from the bombed-out tree rows.

Adversity and adventure were nothing new to Vera. She went on to become a nurse in London. There she met Harbans Singh Dillon who was there from Northern India attending Oxford University. Her oldest son, David, was born from this relationship in 1961.

She later met and married US Air Force Airman Robert Lee Wilson, Jr. from Norfolk Virginia who was stationed in England. From this union came a beautiful daughter, Sharon, in 1965.

After many military moves around England and the US, Vera and Robert went separate ways and she settled in Norfolk, Virginia.

Later she would marry Raleigh Manley, Jr. a US Army Vietnam War veteran, who she remained married to up until her departure.

Vera had many occupations throughout her life. Nurse in England, tele-type operator in Denver, Colorado, motel front desk clerk, tax preparer, Amway sales, and paralegal, all in the Norfolk area. Vera wasn’t afraid of work and often put in long hours at multiple jobs to feed and house her two children.

Vera loved animals. She raised AKC German shepherds while in England. There was always a dog and or cat around the house. She also had ducks and chickens and rabbits. No doubt her love of animals derived from the rural lifestyle of her youth in which her father kept bees.

Vera was an avid gardener and always had something growing in the yard most places she lived.

Vera was blessed with 4 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren at the time of her passing. She will be missed by all.

Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery will be her final resting place. Inurnment is scheduled for Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11am.