Precious Memories of Vera Lynn Stribling Dancer
“Life is like a mountain railway with an engineer that’s brave.
We must make this run successful from the cradle to the grave…
Vera Lynn was born to Mark and Lula Stribling on December 22, 1930, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The baby girl whose name meant “faith” was a welcome addition to family that would eventually include fourteen children’ Horace, Mattie rose, Martha, Willie, Mark, Winston, Wendell, Nathaniel, Annie, Louise, Laureda, Grace Evelyn, and Eloise. Vera and her siblings remained close through the years as did their generations of offspring. The faith instilled in her by her parents and affirmed by her own decision to follow Christ would keep her throughout her journey.
…Heed the curves and watch the tunnels; never falter, never fail
Keep your hands upon the throttle and your eye upon the rail…
Vera moved to Dallas in 1946 and later married the late Ocie Lee Dancer, Sr. when his passing left her a young widow with their eight children, she remained committed to raising them in “ nurture and admonition of The Lord” by ensuring the family attended weekly worship services. Rides from family and friends, even taxis – whatever it took to get her family to church. As members of Lawrence & Marder and eventually Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ, the Dancers were active in ministry with Vera teaching bible classes. All of her children and her oldest grandchild sat at her table both at home and at church. Her faithfulness would teach all of them and all who crossed her path.
…Blessed Saviour there to guide us ‘til we reach that blissful shore and the angels there to join us in God’s grace forevermore…
Vera provided for her family working for many years as a Food Service supervisor in Dallas Public Schools. She was as respected and well-liked at work as she was in her community and church. She volunteered at her children’s schools serving as PTA president and anywhere she was able.
Her home was always open to her children’s friends or neighbors who needed a hot meal. She delighted in being one of the hosts for the Friday night card games. She was an excellent cook and offered her meals as an extension of kind spirit and hospitality. When health challenges presented themselves to Vera, true to her name, her faith never wavered. She continued to visit the sick with the Sunshine Committee and work with the Precious Hearts Senior Saints. She was chosen as their queen one year and wore the crown with grace and pride. Her presence and commitment was an inspiration, especially her Marsalis Avenue church family.
… As you roll across the trestle Spanning Jordan’s swelling tide you will reach the Union Depot into which your train will ride There you’ll meet the superintendent – God the father, God the son With a happy joyous greeting “ Weary pilgrim, welcome home” …
Vera’s faithfulness was rewarded on Sunday, March 22, when eternal rest welcomed her. Earthly goodbyes became heavenly hellos when she was reunited with her parents, siblings, husband and their oldest son Ocie Lee Jr. and many friends.
Vera provided precious memories for her family and friends as they anxiously await seeing her again. Her legacy of faith continues in her children: Nira (Kenneth), Michelle, Reecy, Warren (Lynne). Karen, Marcus (Kate), and Eric; her grandchildren Cher (Greg), Jeremy (Janel), Daniel, Justin, Sha Vaughn, Roderick, Jordon, and Austin ; great-grandchildren Cierra, Condoleezza, Jeremiah, Keanu, and Joydanna; brother Wendell (Gwen), sisters Annie, Louise, Laureda, and Eloise; special daughter Gwen Davis; and many other relatives and friends.
