Tributes paid to former town mayor Vera who died aged 82
Tributes were paid this week to former Newport mayor Vera Jones who died on her 82nd birthday last week.
Vera, who lived on Upper Bar, died on Wednesday, June 18, was well known in the town and held a string of posts from political to charity based work.
She became a councillor in 1969 and sat on the council until 1984, with two years as town mayor from 1978 to 1979.
As a businesswoman she joined the Newport Chamber of Commerce in 1970 and was chairman for five years during the 1980s.
Vera was also vice-chairman on the Wrekin Age Concern and started the first Age Concern Day Centre in 1973.
She was also involved with the Boughey Roddam Housing Trust, Boughey Charity Trust, Adams Park Charity, Wrekin District Ladies Luncheon Club, was a governor at Newport Junior School, founder member of Newport Ladies Probus Club and founder member of the Townswomen’s Guild.
On top of this she ran the family wool shop Scarrets from 1955 until 1994, along with the Leisure Centre on St Mary Street, selling sports equipment and luggage.
She is survived by her son Roddy and daughter Christine.
Christine said: “She was very committed to Newport and she loved the town. I remember every Saturday our dining room table was covered in newspaper and people would come in and drop off money raised for charity.
“I can remember sitting there counting it all, some charities used it as a drop off point. We also had a long back garden, which has been built on now, and that was used for charity events too.
“We have been overwhelmed by how much other people thought of her. We have had so many cards and notes saying how wonderful she was.”
Former town mayor Eva Allan also paid tribute to Vera. She said:
“She was a lovely lady when I went on the council as a new councillor, she gave me lots of guidance and help. She was a very good business women and she was just a lovely lady to see on the High Street.
“She was involved with people and was a very good listener. If you had a problem you could go to Vera with it, it’s just very sad.”
A private cremation will be held, followed by a service of thanksgiving at St Peter’s Church, Edgmond today at 1pm.
