Mother Vera McMillan-Jimerson

Mother Vera McMillan-Jimerson was born on July 10, 1961, to the union of Myrlie Weems Sr. and Carrie Polk Weems in Portland, Oregon. She was proudly the seventh (baby) child of the family.

Vera was educated in Portland, Oregon at Jefferson High School. In her early years, she transitioned between Portland, Oregon, Atlanta, Georgia, and Seattle, Washington: eventually settling in West Seattle, Washington where she built her family and made her home.

She married the love of her life, Mr. Donnie McMillan. To this union two children were born, Donte McMillian and Dominic McMillan. After her husband’s untimely death in 1987, Vera committed her life to raise her boys. Her family was central to her being. Cousins became brothers and sisters under her roof. She played an integral role in raising her nephew, Darryl Shears, Sterling Lewis, and supporting her family. Vera later married Mr. Jonathan Jimerson, Sr. To this union, she birthed Jonathan “Snoops” Jimerson.

People who knew Vera well described her as a vibrant woman, full of love and life. She had an incredible knack for inspiring people through truth-telling. She was the epitome of “saying what you mean and meaning what you say.” It was impossible to know Vera without knowing how she felt and what she thought about you. Even in her curtness, you could feel her undying compassion. For her sons, she was the lioness that taught them to Roar! She was fierce, reflective, courageous, and wise.

She enjoyed cooking, shopping (at Macy's, Ross Dress for Less, and Salvation Army), watching reality television with her dog, Trouble Luv, and reading, and collecting Black books, art, and figurines.

Vera made a lasting impression on the lives of those she worked with at the West Seattle School District, where she was employed for more than 20 years.

In 2020, Vera rededicated her life to the Lord and was a faithful member of the Lily of the Valley Church of God In Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Eric Jenkins. There, she was affectionately called Mother Jimerson. She built a solid and loving relationship with the pastor, his wife, and church mother, Mother Ruby Jenkins. At Lily of the Valley, Vera found her peace. She loved being surrounded by the presence of God. There, she found the courage to forgive herself and learn God's full purpose for her life.

Vera was preceded in death by her father, Myrlie Weems Sr., Brother, John Jerome Weems Sr., and her late husband, Donnie McMillan, Sr.

Vera died on May 19, 2022, at the age of 61 with her loving family surrounding her. She is survived by her Mother, Carrie Polk Weems; three sons: Dontae McMillan (Julie), Dominic McMillian (Latricia), Jonathan Jimerson, Jr.; eleven grandchildren: Donnie, Jalani, Davarious, Jonathan Jr., Jalen, Jayden, Javonte, Dejoun, Halo, Katelin, Dominic; three Great-grandchildren:  Princeton, Pierre, and Alani; five siblings: Alice Lee Weems Woods, Carrie Mae Weems (Jeff Hoone), Evangeline Annette David, Myrlie Weems Jr., and Joseph Leon Weems (Rose); a host of loving nieces, nephews, God-children and her dog, “Trouble LUV McMillan, Lily of the Valley Church family, family, and friends.

The family would like to thank Vera’s oncologist, Dr. Robert Livingston, and the entire St. Anne Cancer Center medical team. Her wonderful Niece, Netashe David worked tirelessly to make life comfortable during her final stages of life.

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