Vera Ann McGriff

Obituary For Vera Ann McGriff

In Loving Memory of Vera McGriff

Vera McGriff, a devoted mother, loving sister, cherished friend, proud veteran, and dedicated community advocate, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026. She was 58 years old. Vera will be remembered for her boundless generosity, unwavering faith in others, and a life defined by service, compassion, and love.

Vera was born on August 9, 1967, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to the late Isaac McGriff and Marie Benthall (Canady), who both preceded her in death. She was raised in Jersey City, where she graduated from Ferris High School.

A lifelong learner with remarkable ambition, Vera pursued higher education at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Berkeley College, Mount Olive College, Strayer University, and ultimately the Jack Welch Management Institute, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Her commitment to education reflected her belief that learning was a lifelong journey and a pathway to serving others more effectively.

After relocating to Durham, North Carolina, Vera answered the call to serve her country by joining the Army National Guard. She proudly served during the Iraq War and concluded her military career with the rank of Sergeant. Her military service exemplified her courage, discipline, and deep commitment to protecting and serving others.

Following her military service, Vera dedicated her professional career to caring for fellow veterans through her work at the Durham VA Medical Center, where she faithfully served until her retirement.

Never content to stop serving, Vera founded MARI (Moms Against Racial Injustice) in 2016, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting families and communities through advocacy, resources, networking, and assistance for those in need. Through MARI, she became a powerful voice for justice and an unwavering source of hope for countless individuals and families.

To know Vera was to experience genuine compassion. She never hesitated to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or provide comfort during difficult times. Her kindness touched countless lives, and her legacy of selflessness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Vera leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children: Fatima McGriff of Queens, New York; Khadir Cherry of Durham, North Carolina; Michon Calloway of Durham, North Carolina; and Mikhia Calloway of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She was the proud and devoted grandmother of Malani Stewart and Santana Cherry.

She is also survived by her loving sisters, Monique Chanakira of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Ashanti Cedeno of Durham, North Carolina; her brother, Robert Canady of East Orange, New Jersey; and her cherished nieces and nephews: Gregory, Maurice, Jahmon, TeAzsa, Timothy, Nadiyah, Zion, and Myla, along with many extended family members, dear friends, fellow veterans, and members of the community whose lives she touched.

Though our hearts are heavy with her passing, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Vera's legacy of love, service, courage, generosity, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, fellow service members, and the many people whose lives she made brighter.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Memorial Arrangements:
Friday, July 24, 2026, | 1:00 pm

Place of Service: Holloway Memorial Funeral Home Inc, 2502 NC Hwy 55 Durham NC 27713

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