Vera-Jean Clements of Oak Bluffs died on August 7. She was 68.

She was a beloved wife, mother and Grammy. Those who had the pleasure of knowing her would describe her as loving and genuine.

Vera was born in Oak Bluffs on Oct. 24, 1954 to Marilyn and Vern Jernegan of Edgartown. Always an adventurous and possibly even mischievous child, she grew up in Ocean Heights, surrounded by other Island families who she would continue to speak of and hold near and dear to her heart throughout her whole life.

She also spoke fondly of her family’s brief time spent living in western Connecticut when she was a child. There she had played in the woods and streams around their home and attended races at Danbury Racearena.

From a young age she learned the value of a strong work ethic. She worked her whole life, first at the Dunes Restaurant, for the Jardin family at the A&P and for more than 30 years for the Sears family. She forged strong friendships with many of her co-workers and customers that lasted a lifetime.

She graduated from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in the class of 1972. On June 6, 1975, she went on to marry her high school sweetheart Albert R. Clements 3rd. Together they had three children Albert IV (now married to daughter in law Becky), Summer-Anne DeSouza (now married to son in law Arilson) and Erick.

Through 48 years of marriage, she selflessly cared for her family. Albie was a Coast Guardsman and so for many months at a time she raised her children single-handedly. She worked nights to support her family and spent her days running the children to baseball games, CCD or just to good old Vineyard beach days. She was a Girl Scout leader, taught CCD classes and volunteered at the Portuguese American Club.

She was a member of the Alley Cats bowling team at Spinnaker Lanes and enjoyed ceramics with Cheryl Dowd, where her passion and talent for painting fine detail remains on full display in her works. She always had a deep affection for animals and grew up with rabbits, cats and Hoosier, her beloved collie mix.

Vera lived for her vacations, whether taken by plane, train or RV but always by boat. In the last months of her life she fulfilled her lifelong dream of going to Graceland to see the home of her Elvis.

Above all she was the most caring and supportive mother a kid could ask for, and that was later transformed to being a doting and selfless Grammy. Her family will forever keep her loving and humorous spirit alive in their memories. They take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her parents, son Erick and other family and friends who predeceased her.

Vera’s family would like to thank Cheryl and all the wonderful and loving people at Hospice of MV, Lenny at Chapman Funerals and Cremations, and Father Michael Nagle for helping them with support and kindness through this difficult time.

A graveside service will be held on August 26 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oak Bluffs. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.