Vera Faye Benson was the heart of our family and a true inspiration to everyone who knew her. She was the only constant in my life, always putting others before herself. Vera was known throughout our neighborhood for her generosity—she made sure no child went hungry, often preparing meals for kids in the community. There was not a selfish bone in her body, and her kindness touched so many lives.

One of my most cherished memories is from 1987, when she planned to take me and over 40 others to Disneyland. It was her dream to give us all a special experience, and her commitment to making it happen showed just how much she cared. Sadly, she passed away just seven days after making that promise, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Now, our family wants to honor Vera’s memory with a headstone—a tribute she truly deserves. We were able to cover most of the funeral expenses, but a headstone was beyond our means. Having a headstone for Vera would be the greatest honor we could give to a woman who gave her whole life to her family and community. It would be a way for us, and everyone she helped, to remember her shining light and the love she shared so freely.