Vera Leola Harris Swinton, 71, was born February 13, 1947 in Waco, Texas to the union of Robert Earl and Evelyn Evans Harris. Vera entered eternal rest April 10, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Evelyn Thompkins, and twin sons Darryl and Harold Swinton.

As the family traveled while her father was in the military, Vera attended a host of schools including Kirk-Wilson Elementary and A. J. Moore Jr High in Waco, Texas. She graduated from Central High class of 1965.

At a very early age, Vera was recognized as one with a highly gifted voice. When her family moved from Waco, the school called a special assembly to hear Vera sing one last time. At Central, she was voted best female vocalist of her graduating class.

Vera accepted Christ at an early age at Second Baptist Church, Waco, Texas under the leadership of Rev. George J Johnson. After moving to Kansas City in 1963 she joined Friendship Baptist under the leadership of Rev. I. H. Henderson and on September 12, 1976 she united with St. James Gregory United Methodist Church under the leadership of Rev. Emanuel Cleaver, II.

Vera's extraordinary love of music and singing opened many doors to share what was clearly a God given gift. A. J. Moore Glee club, Central High School vocal ensemble, NAACP and SCLC choirs, Gospel Music Workshop choir, Social Security Administration choir, children's, youth, young adult, and adult choirs, not to mention and many private recitals at her mother's request are some venues she shared her gift. Other than music and singing, Vera was an avid reader, enjoyed bowling, dancing, sharing new recipes, and "watching the news", which she felt was an important part of staying informed on what was going on in the world. Above all else, Vera embraced the gift and responsibilities of being Renee, Angie and Tyson's mother. She never lost focus of her number one priority; nurturing, shaping and molding her children along life's journey. As a single parent, she provided the very best for "her girls" and "her boy".

Vera worked for the IRS and Social Security Administration for over 35 years, retiring in 2009. She was united in marriage to Epps Swinton in 1965. To this union five children were born; Renee, Angela, Darryl, Harold, and Tyson.

She leaves to cherish a lifetime of memories: three children, Renee Swinton-Tillmon (Ronald), Angela Swinton-Crawford (LeBrent), Tyson Swinton (Chakina); four sisters, Ajuennia King, Helen Lewis (Dewayne), Joyce Thompkins, and Debra Duncan (Greg); seven grandchildren, Takina Manning, Brentston Crawford, Damonte Manning, Omni Swinton, Cameron Swinton, Talon Crawford, and Ryan Tillmon; three great grandchildren, sister-friends, special friends, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral services Saturday, April 21, 12:00 p.m. at St. James United Methodist Church. Interment Brooking Cemetery. Visitation 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.