Vera Swanigan-Stokes was born in Columbus, MS to James and Corine Swanigan on February 18, 1948. She was raised and spent her lifetime in the city of Columbus. She enjoyed taking care of loved ones and friends as a profession. She also enjoyed dancing and her peppermint. Her peppermint was a gift she shared with all those who crossed her path. She met her love, John Albert Stokes, and they shared many wonderful years together. They exchanged vows in March of 2000's.

Vera departed this life on September 16, 2023, in Columbus, MS. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Albert Stokes; her parents: her siblings: Lillie Swanigan, Clara Sloan, Dester Swanigan, Dothie Swanigan, Collier Swanigan; her grandchild, Josiah Cockrell.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughters, Carmen Swanigan and Rona Stokes both of Columbus, MS; her siblings, Stella Swanigan of Columbus, MS, Linda Swanigan of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Julius (Georgia) Swanigan and Calvin Swanigan of Columbus, MS; four grandchildren, Jawaun Thomas, Joslym Harris, Jahcarri Cockrell, and Jonathan Conner; and a host of other relatives and friends.