Vera Louise Snowden Goss was born Feb. 11, 1935, in Hutchinson to the late Naomi and Charles Snowden. She departed this rich life on July 25, 2023, at the age of 88.
Vera was a graduate of Hutchinson Community College, where she received her Associate of Arts Degree in Nursing Health Sciences. Following college, she utilized her impeccable skills of communication, organization, planning, and caregiving to serve in various capacities, including secretarial, industrial, and private nursing.
What does it mean to have a spirit of giving? That can easily be defined by the life of Veral Louise Snowden Goss… Vera truly encompassed a beautiful spirit of giving, culminating into several service-oriented positions and appointments, including, but by no means limited to, serving as a member of the Silver Leaf Chapter #464 of the Order of the Eastern Star of Kansas and also the NAACP. Her advocacy and commitment to fighting for civil rights led to an appointment of Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the state of Kansas, wherein she tenaciously advocated to protect both the quality of life and quality of care of Kansas residents residing in long-term settings.
And yet even that level of community service could not contain Vera’s embodiment of giving, for she also volunteered at various meal centers and food banks in the Hutchinson area for decades. Up until a few years ago, she likewise served in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (grandparents program) through the Department of Education at Lincoln Elementary School, though she had no grandchildren in the school system. That is a spirit of giving! In fact, her desire to effectively engage and communicate with students, parents, and her peers even led her to take computer classes at the Elmdale 50+ Community Center.
Vera always embraced life with a welcoming, yet adventurous spirit. Her hobbies included traveling, particularly to wonderful destinations such as Bahamas, Virgin Islands, and Hawaii, enriching her experience of diverse cultures through museum exhibits and activities, and spending time with her casino favorite: the slot machines! And notwithstanding, Vera also loved to embrace the freedom and fluidity of dancing, for hers was a spirit that would not be contained.
Vera was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Donald Goss Jr. As the youngest and last of 8 children, her death she was also preceded by two sisters: Elva Mae Lewis and Mary Alice Snowden; and 5 brothers: Charles Ernest Snowden, George Luther Snowden, Everett Travis Snowden, John Snowden, and Burt Snowden.
She leaves to cherish her memory 3 daughters Cherterel Goss White of Columbia, MD, Michele Goss of Alexandria, VA and Charlesatta Goss Parker of Hutchinson, KS; four grandchildren Rashawn Goss-White of College Park, MD, KeAunte’ White-Lomax of Frederick, MD, Victoria Bryant of Washington, DC and Johnathan Parker of Springfield, VA; two great grandchildren Marquet Clark of the US Navy (Japan) and Lashaun Cole of College Park, MD, and an irreplaceable host of beloved family and friends.
Vera’s spirit will forever live among and within us, and it is with that in mind and in honoring her wishes, no formal memorial services will be held. Instead, in the coming days, weeks, months, and years, look to the open heavens, think of her, and smile.
Per Vera’s request, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to United Way of Reno County, and can be sent in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502. Hutchinson Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.