Verla Spry

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Verla M. Spry passed from this life at Aaron Manor in Fairport NY on October 20, 2015 at the age of 97.

Verla was born near Avilla, MO on November 22, 1917, to the late Ella (Stotts) and Manley Jenkins.

Verla grew up in Avilla, MO, then attended Joiners Business College in Carthage, where she met Marvin Alexander. In 1940 they were married at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC where they had both accepted governmental employment positions.

Marvin was called to Army service in 1943, which took them both to Georgia for Marvin’s training. Marvin was sent overseas in late summer of 1944, after which Verla returned to Kansas City to be with Marvin’s family while awaiting the birth of their son, Glenn Alexander. Sadly, Marvin did not get the chance to meet his son who was born only a few months prior to being killed in action in April, 1945.

Several years later, Verla married Minden Spry. They had a daughter Sheila Spry (Packard). Upon re-entering the workforce Verla was employed at the Bank of Carthage, where she worked for nearly thirty years as a savings manager. She developed many close friendships with her customers and co-workers alike during that time.

Verla was energetic, social, and fun loving. She was a member of BPW and Soroptimist, as well as other organizations to which she devoted her time and energy. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Carthage. She loved people, traveling, and reading, but most of all her family to whom she passed along her love of life and many other positive attributes.

Verla will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes her son, Glenn and his wife Kris of Fairport, NY, their daughter Melanie and her partner Chasity; daughter Sheila Packard, her husband Jim of Rolla, MO, and their children Ian and Alyssa. She also is survived by her nephew, Maurice McCoy of Carthage.

Verla was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amy Alexander, as well as husband Minden, three siblings and her parents.

With the support of Aaron Manor and Hospice of Rochester, Verla was able to live her final days in comfort. Sheila and Glenn were with their mother in her final hours of life.

A memorial service will be held in Carthage at a later date followed by burial of her ashes at Park Cemetery. Arrangements will be handled by Ulmer Funeral Home.