Vera Jean Keesling Wilson

Vera Jean (Keesling) Wilson born April 11, 1927, daughter of Alfred and Amelia Page, in Queensland Australia, peacefully passed away December 19. 2021 at her home in Anderson, Indiana with her children at her side. Vera immigrated to the United States in 1946 as the war bride of Jack Keesling Sr. and embraced Anderson as her new home. Born of the traditionalist generation, Vera worked tirelessly, raising her family, welcoming friends, and striving to be a good citizen. Ten years later in 1956, after meeting all applicable provisions of naturalization, Vera was admitted as a citizen of the United States of America. It was an event which frequently brought her to tears of pride and joy during participation in the Star-Spangled Banner and Pledge of Allegiance. Soon after Vera was employed by Kroger’s and worked in the Meat Department at various stores in central Indiana for 29 years. She retired in 1986 to meet travel requirements of her husband Jerry Wilson. As the wife of the Grand Worthy President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) during 1986/87 Vera was privileged to visit all 50 states, many of them multiple times. A very patriotic and charitable organization, Vera often claimed she, “never got over the pride she felt for her country, it’s people and the tears during the anthem would not stop.” Upon retirement, she claims she never retired, she “just settled down to take care of her flowers.” A consummate gardener, Vera never met a plant she didn’t like. If presented with a new variety she could always find room somewhere. Vera is preceded in death by husbands Jack Keesling and Jerry Wilson, sister’s Maisie Russ and Gloria Turner, sons Dennis Keesling and Brent Keesling. She is survived by sons Robert (Julie) Keesling and Jack Keesling, daughter Anita (David) Hannaford, stepson Mike (Carol) Wilson; grandchildren, Laurie Keesling (Gary) Farley, Cassandra Keesling (Gene) Cunningham, Elizabeth Keesling, Tom (Kate) Livingston, Steve (Terrie) Livingston, Jaime Keesling, Tony Lawrence, Derek Keesling, Stacy (Duane) Harmon and their daughter Madalynn Page, Shelly (Bobby) Day, Stephany (Tom) Johns and their children Collin, Cale, Camryn and Cai, Brent (Sandy) Keesling Jr., Heather Fries; 22 great grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren. Niece Nola (Brian) Goff of New South Wales Australia are loving ties to her homeland and are very appreciated for their care and concern for Tup and her family. In Vera’s 75 plus years in America she has enjoyed the company of a host of friends. It is common knowledge among family, friends, and neighbors, that given the only glass of ice water in a hot desert, Vera would always look for others to have the first sip. Friends Carol Reed and numerous fellow F.O.E. travelers, June Boots and Jean (Stallings) Lewis who also arrived from across the ocean, extended family members Anita Atkinson and Mary Jane Smock and neighbors Melanie and Larry Mechen, Kelly and Trent Shannon, Sherrie and Chris Wyatt all treasured and will miss this selfless devoted friend. The family extends their sincerest appreciation to Kindred Hospice, especially Mary, Krista, Katy and Rosetta. Of special note is Dr. Preetham Jetty of Community Hospital for his years of exceptional care. Services will be held on Thursday at 1:00 pm at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson, Indiana 46013 with Dr. Charles Shumate officiating. Entombment will be at East Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to F.O.E. Charity Foundation, C/O Indiana State Project, P.O. Box 298, Batesville, IN. 47006