Vera Marigold Criddle Clarke was born on 30 Nov 1935 at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana. She died on 16 Aug 2011 at the age of 75 in Los Angeles, California. She was buried on 30 Aug 2011. Vera received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Xavier University in New Orleans, LA in May 1957 where she graduated Cum Laude and did graduate study in chemistry at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois. While at Xavier, Vera was also a thespian, performing in several theatrical productions. Vera taught science at various public schools in New Orleans and Pittsburgh before moving to Washington, DC where she worked as an examiner for the U.S. Patent Office specializing in organic chemicals for cosmetic and hair care products. While living in Washington, D.C., Vera was a volunteer math tutor for the Maryland public schools. She retired as an analyst from the patent office in 1995. After 2000, Vera relocated to Hawthorne, Los Angeles, California where she spent her time tutoring and caring for her austistic grandson, David until her death.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Nehemiah and Rebecca Fluence Criddle, brothers; Nehemiah Huey Criddle, Jr., Carl E. Criddle, Ambrose Ira Criddle, Ernest V. Criddle and Richard L. Criddle. Vera leaves behind three children; Donna Clarke Harden, Debra (Michael) Clarke Rushing and Don (Tamera) Lazaro Clarke II; five grandchildren, Joshua Conner, Michael Rushing II, David Harden, Justus Wiseman and Liberty Clarke, siblings Janice C. Carter of Dallas, Texas, Raymond (Rosemary) J. Criddle of Richton, Illinois, Earl (Debra) J. Criddle of New Orleans, Louisiana, Ronald (Pam) Criddle of Austin, Texas and Fannie Lois Criddle of Dallas, Texas; aunts Martha F. Wright, Ann F. Washington, Birtha Fluence, Beatrice Fluence along with a host of nieces and nephews and friends.

Vera was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Washington, D.C. and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hawthorne, California.

Funeral Services on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 11A.M. at the Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church, 400 East Kelso Street, Inglewood California. Pastor Willie Hudson, officiating.