Vera Lee Smith, 86, of Salisbury, died Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House in Salisbury.

She was born January 15, 1939, in Seguin, Texas, to the late Winford and Ruth Merriweather Smith. Ms. Smith was educated in Texas schools and was a member of Greater Vision Community Church in Killeen, Texas.

During Operation Desert Storm, she volunteered with the U.S. Army and was proudly honored for her work, spending much of her time in support of the troops - including her husband, who was deployed to Saudi Arabia.

Ms. Vera started working at a very young age as a cocktail waitress in the Officers Club & Lounge at Lackland Air Force Base. She later became a hairstylist at La' Nails Beauty Salon in San Antonio, Texas. She also worked at Howard Johnson Hotels, Inc. as Head of Housekeeping in Austin, Texas.

Simply known as "Ms. Vera" - the original "Black China Doll" and "The Little Indian Girl," the self-proclaimed "Poor Little Rich Girl from Texas" - she was a fun-loving, happy-go-lucky, outgoing, energetic, independent, loyal, honest, trustworthy, brave, reliable, funny, and very wise lady. She loved animals, especially German Shepherd dogs, and her very favorite of all - the majestic elephant - which she used as a mascot in her homes and fashion.

She also loved sports, going all the way back to my early baseball and basketball days. In particular, she was a devoted fan of the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys, and she attended many of their games in person.

Ms. Vera was old-fashioned, a proud Texan, and always stayed true to her word. She was very kind and giving, but also tough and rough - all put together in that little body. Married three times, she did not take any mess from men at all!

A hard worker and a hustling survivor of both good and difficult times in life, she took on the role of caretaker for her grandmother for several years before traveling to live in Kentucky and Alaska, to live with her baby sister and family. As a child, she played a key role in raising all her younger siblings - always doing the very best she could with what little they had, and never giving up. No matter the odds, she always paid her bills and financial obligations in a timely manner. She also believed in saving as much as she could and not spend unwisely.

She was a proud and outspoken patron who believed in civil rights and always doing the right thing. She was also a fighter - known to use a knife or razor if needed, but only in defense - and she truly believed in the power of a hammer.

Ms. Vera was a world traveler, - she had lived in Germany, and had traveled to Italy, Belgium, France, Poland, and her favorite, Spain. She was well-cultured in the finer things of life, people, food, cooking, the arts, and music. In the early 1960's, she attended and studied at one of Fred Astaire's famous School of Dance studios in California, specializing in her favorites: modern jazz and tap. She was also self-taught and learned classic flamenco dancing, among other styles such as belly dancing and country-western line dancing.

An accomplished percussionist, she played bongos, Mexican hand caracas, and maracas. She truly enjoyed all types of music - from R&B and soul to opera.

She frequently partied at many of San Antonio's famous nightclubs, especially the legendary "Eastwood Country Club," known as the start and center of "The Chitlin' Circuit." Other clubs included "Tucker's" and "The Dream," just to name a few. There, she would often dance with a partner, take over the dance floor, and put on a spotlighted clinic of dance moves that fascinated everyone. Always known for her fashion, style, and grace, Ms. Vera was truly one of a kind.

During those times, she met and mingled with many famous people and entertainers, such as Redd Foxx, the fabulous Ms. Wiggles, and a not-yet-famous Flip Wilson- among many others (which will be further revealed in Ms. Vera's soon-to-be-published autobiography, complete with pictures and stories).

And in closing - at her time of passing - she simply wanted to be known and remembered as just a good person.

And as her only son, I will say that she was a good person, full of wisdom - and I am proud to say that she was my mother.

Rest in peace forevermore, Vera Lee.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Margerie Nell Davis Eads; and a brother, Joseph Williams.

Survivors include a son, Zachary L. Smith (Cynthia); grandchildren, Rashard Z. Smith and Pierre Z. Smith; a sister, Velma Jean Williams Madison; a brother, Fletcher Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Online condolences www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com