Vera "Mom V" Sears Moon
Vera "Mom V" Sears Moon, 91, of Chattanooga, was called into heavenly eternity on Monday, May 19, 2025, with her daughter and son at her bedside.
Vera, born in Goodwater, Al., on Nov. 28, 1933, was the daughter of Martha P. Johnson Dews and George W. Dews. Vera was the oldest of two children, attended Clay County Training School, and then Miles College as an accounting major.
She received Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and lived out her life practicing the teachings of Christ. Vera married the late Rayfield Sears and was the mother of four children: Jerome, James, Jeff, and Belinda. Together, they owned and operated Sears Grocery store in the North Brainerd area of Chattanooga for over 30 years. After Rayfield passed, Vera was determined to keep the business going, and she did.
Upon first coming to Chattanooga, she was a member of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church. She later joined Missionary Ridge Baptist, faithfully serving as an usher for many years. After the death of her beloved Rayfield, she met and married Roy Moon, Jr. (Poppa), and became a member of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Melvin Jordan. She attended and served with the Mt Canaan Seniors and Friends Ministry until her health prevented her from serving. When her health began to decline, she moved with her daughter and son-in-law, where she remained until her passing. She enjoyed worshipping with them at New Covenant Fellowship Church.
For many years, she joyously served as a ‘Purple Gem’ member and treasurer to the Order of Eastern Star, South Chattanooga #6. She was also an avid member and secretary to her beloved Menlo Neighborhood Association and the North Brainerd Neighborhood Council. She had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening of all kinds. She loved to read, travel, watch, and explore nature. She was a savvy entrepreneur, an excellent seamstress, a Neighborhood Mom (Eastdale and North Brainerd), and ‘The Candy Lady’.
‘Mom V’ was an encourager and advocate for her children from cradle to beyond adulthood; she cherished her family. She loved serving her community and had a special place in her heart for children. Her kind and generous spirit was evident in her daily life. She leaves a legacy of compassion, faith in God, adventure, and a strong work ethic. Matthew 7:12.
She was preceded in death by husband, Roy Moon, Jr.; son, William Jerome Sears; bonus son, Charles Moon; granddaughter, Carman Verae Smith; mother, Martha Dews; father, George Dews; brother, James L. Dews; stepsisters, Gerry Dews and Dorothy Brooks.
Those cherishing her precious and loving memory: sons, James (Shelbree) Sears, Jacksonville FL, Jeff (Claudia) Sears, Chattanooga, TN; daughter and son-of-love, Belinda (Dwight) Smith, Chattanooga TN; grandchildren, Corey Sears, William Sears both of Chesapeake VA, Ebony (Luke) Rouland, Americus GA, Katherine Edwards, Jacksonville FL, Christina Smith, Murfreesboro TN, Shameka (Victor) Branscom, Kevin Sears, both of Chattanooga TN.; 16 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren; 6 bonus grandchildren; nephew, Kelvin (Linda) Dews, Roundrock, TX; niece, Josephine (James) Odom Chattanooga TN; sister-of-love, Roberta Dews; special children, Thelma Gillom, Nigel Felder, Victor Howell, Adrian Smith, Dennis Clark, Aaron Elliott and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
A public viewing will be held on Monday, June 2, from 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will be present to receive guests beginning at 4 p.m.
A celebration of Vera’s life will take place on Tuesday, June 3, at noon at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, at 4801-TN-Highway 58.
Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 2 p.m.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.