Vera Brooks Hoffman

After 104 years on this Earth, Vera Brooks Hoffman passed away peacefully at Miller's Senior Living Community in Indianapolis on March 4, 2015 to begin her new eternal life with God. Vera was born on November 27, 1910, in rural Ashley County, Arkansas to Richard L. Brooks II (1877-1924) and Jessie Hudson Griffin (1887-1966). She graduated from Fountain Hill High School in 1930 and attended St. Bernard's Hospital School of Nursing in Jonesboro, Arkansas, graduating from there in 1934 to become a registered nurse. In 1937, after three years as a private duty nurse in Hot Springs, she and a friend decided to take Vera's 1935 Chevrolet on a trip out West to visit Vera's friend and fellow nurse, Jean Hoffman, in Los Angeles. While there, Vera was introduced to Jean's brother, Robert ("Bob") who had come to California from the Hoffman family home in Indiana. That introduction turned out to be a life-forming event to both – three days after their meeting, they became engaged. Vera returned to her home in Arkansas, and after a four month interlude, drove back out West to a pre-arranged rendezvous in Lordsburg, New Mexico, where she and Bob were married on August 1, 1937. From that point on, Vera stood as a loving wife and mother to a growing and mobile family, while Bob's career took shape and prospered. Their first son, William Brooks (Bill) was born in May 1938 in Los Angeles. Then after moving to Indianapolis in 1939, they celebrated the birth of daughter, Diana Jean in 1942 while living in Kokomo. Finally, in 1945, their third child Robert James (Bob) was born in Indianapolis. The family stayed on the move, living in Omaha, Columbus, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, a brief stint in Vera's home territory, Ashley County (a place she often referred to as "Glory"), and then back to Indianapolis. All the while, Vera was there, leading on with a spirit of courage, confidence and determination that came to define her character. Then in 1967, with their children now away from home and as their retirement years loomed closer, Vera and Bob made their final move together, to Martinsville, Indiana. Several years before, Vera had returned to her beloved private duty nursing profession, and continued working in that fashion until 1973, when she announced her retirement so that she could volunteer at a local nursing home to "take care of the old people." Throughout her life, Vera was a true-believing and faithful Christian. She and Bob were members of the First Christian Church of Martinsville. She was also a member of the Martha Chapter of the Eastern Star there. Vera was preceded in death by Bob in 1988, five months after their 50th anniversary. She continued to live in Martinsville until 2001 when she moved to Miller's Assisted Living community. Then, in declining health, she relocated to the Miller's nursing care facility in 2013 where she remained until her death. The gratitude felt by the Hoffman Family toward the entire staff of Miller's at both facilities for their love, care, and friendship toward Vera during the final years of her life is beyond our power to express. Vera is the last surviving member of her beloved immediate Ashley County family that includes (with spouses): Emma May (1906-1908), Willie Jo (Frank) Rawls (1908-1990), Claudia (Coy) Scifres (1912-2012), Richard L. III (Dorothy) Brooks (1914-2003), Huey (Lolah) Brooks (1917-1995), Erla (Russell) Noble (1919-2008), Erma (Woodrow) Noble (1919-1987), Turner (Delores) Brooks (1921-1982), and Riley Brooks (1923-1937). Vera's spirit will live on through those family members who survive to carry her memory forward. Her three children and their spouses: William Brooks Hoffman (Susan Marie) of Louisville, Diana Jean McCarthy (Michael) of North Carolina, and Robert James Hoffman (Donna) of Indianapolis. Her grandchildren and step-grandchildren (and spouses): Barry Hoffman (Ellen), William Hoffman (Amy), Benjamin (Angela) Hoffman, Marty Lloyd (Debbie), Merritt Lloyd, Joel Hoffman, David Hoffman (Rachel), Jennifer Rocke (Mark) Waldrop, Jeff Rocke, Dana Schleip, Aaron Rausch (Jesse), and Natalie (John) Deledda. And, many cherished great-grandchildren, not to mention many nieces and nephews. Throughout her long life, Vera had a magical impact on those she encountered. Her sense of humor was contagious and empowering. Her spiritual faith was inspiring. She had no enemies. She was loving and tolerant to all whom she encountered. She was fair-minded and forgiving. She was a devoted and caregiving mother and wife. She loved God. And . . . she is and will remain missed by those of us who must now continue on our voyages through this life without her. Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Monday, March 9, 2015 at Flanner and Buchanan, Decatur Township center, 5463 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46221, with one-hour visitation there from 1 PM. She will be laid to rest in nearby West Newton Cemetery for those who wish to attend. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts to the First Baptist Church of Fountain Hill, 301 S. Mulberry, Fountain Hill, AR 71646. We encourage you to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story about Vera – of which we are sure there are many.