Iris Jean Vera

Iris Jean “Jeanne” (Jones) Vera, age 84, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, kindness, encouragement, and love. Jeanne was born on May 25, 1942, and grew up in Premont, Texas, where she was a proud Premont Cowboy. She was a crackerjack basketball player, a talent and love of sports she passed on to her children. She also served as drum major for the marching band and could twirl a mean baton.

At 18, Jeanne married the father of her children, Howard Hill. She devoted the first part of her adult life to raising her children as a stay-at-home mom. She was their biggest cheerleader and rarely missed an opportunity to support them in their many sports and activities. Jeanne was an active member of First Baptist Church of Missouri City, where she enjoyed singing in the choir for many years. A wonderfully creative woman, she was a talented seamstress and painter with a natural eye for design.

When her children grew older, Jeanne put those artistic talents to work, first with Sears and later with her own company as a visual merchandiser. In September 1987, Jeanne married Robert Vera and began a new chapter of her life in Garland, Texas. This September, they would have celebrated 39 years of marriage. Jeanne worked for Mikasa Fine China, traveling throughout the country to help open new stores. She later became a kitchen designer for Home Depot, where her creativity and gift for working with people served her well.

In retirement, Jeanne especially loved her women’s Bible study group at Park Cities Baptist Church. She and Robert enjoyed eating out with friends and, of course, spoiling their beloved dog, Roxy. Jeanne was also a dedicated supporter of Robert during his City Council election and throughout his years of service to the City of Garland. In these last few years, Robert became Jeanne’s most devoted caregiver, lovingly walking beside her as they navigated her many health challenges.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Halloween and Ira Jones, and her beloved son, Timmy Hill. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Vera; her sister and brother-in-law, Marceil and Fran Barletta; and the children she adored: Holly Krhovjak and her husband, Clay; Howard Hill Jr. and his wife, Vicki; and Christie Mayock and her husband, Pete. Jeanne was affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Nonny." Her grandchildren are Travis Krhovjak and his wife, Gentry; Michael Hill and his wife, Anna; Kate Darby and her husband, Patrick; Andrew Hill; Jax Biggers; and Elizabeth Engle and her husband, Daniel.She was also a proud great-grandmother to Sammy Engle, Abby Engle, Hosea Engle, Isaiah Engle, and Henry Darby. Jeanne also embraced Robert’s family as her own. Her stepchildren include Robert Vera Jr.; Vivian Vera; Roland Vera; Veronica Vera Gutierrez; and Rodney Vera and his wife, Laura. Her step-grandchildren include Robert Vera III and his wife, Ashley; Joshua Pritchett and his wife, Mia; Brittani Selman and her husband, Kassem; Kameron Vera and his wife, Adryana; Erin Anderson and her husband, Cole; Breanna Vera; Gabrielle Gutierrez; Payton Vera; Roland Vera Jr.; and Macy Vera. She was preceded in death by her step-grandson, Kaden Vera. Jeanne was also blessed with many step-great-grandchildren: Emilia Vera, Carter Rogers, Isla Pritchett, Kaia Selman, Robert Vera IV, Ellie Vera, Jude Pritchett, Millie Vera, Carmela Vera, Eden Pritchett, Asher Cole, and Roman Vera.

More than anything, Jeanne will be remembered for the way she made people feel. She was encouraging, sweet, positive, and gracious. She was a classy lady who never met a stranger and could always find something kind to say. She loved the Lord deeply and never hesitated to ask even a stranger if they knew Jesus. Her family, friends, and community knew they were continually covered by her many prayers. Those who loved Jeanne will miss her warmth, her encouragement, her generous spirit, and the unwavering faith that guided her life. While we grieve her absence, we rejoice in knowing that she is now safely in the arms of Jesus.

A visitation will be held at Williams Funeral Home in Garland, Texas, on Monday, August 24, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Williams Funeral Home the following morning, Tuesday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be held at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas at 10:15 am on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in the memory of Jeanne Vera to the nonprofit Friends of Garland's Historic Magic 11th Street.

https://www.friendsofgarlandshistoricmagic11thst.org