Vera was born in Raleigh, daughter of the late Charles Samuel and Lucy Flythe Schubart. She grew up in Rocky Mount and Raleigh and graduated from Broughton High School in 1961. She graduated from the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina in 1965 with a degree in English Education and began teaching at what was then Daniels Junior High School. There, she met her husband, Gene Holshouser. After four years at Daniels, she transferred to Sanderson High School where she taught English for the next 20 years. In 1993, when Leesville Road High School opened, she went there to teach her last six years. Vera retired from teaching in 1999 but continued to stay busy, first working as a legislative assistant in the NC General Assembly and later helping care for her beloved grandchildren.

Vera had a love for learning and was a voracious reader; she could always be counted on to recommend or pass along a good book. She also enjoyed crafting and sewing. She made many of her own clothes as well as clothing and gifts for family members and friends. Her handmade tote bags and doll clothes were works of art!

Vera’s impact as a teacher and as a person was far-reaching. She influenced and inspired countless students and mentored dozens of beginning teachers, whom she always referred to as “her babies.” Vera had a calm presence, a gentle grace, and an ability to listen without judgement which caused many to seek out her counsel and wisdom. Though she had no sisters of her own, many have said that she was like sister or a “second mother” to them. After retirement, she maintained close relationships with many of her fellow teachers and during the pandemic, looked forward to her monthly “zoom calls” with them. She also treasured her neighborhood friends and their back porch get-togethers.  

Vera was a life-long member of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, where she was a Visiting Friend, In Home Communion Steward, member of the Bereavement Committee, and member of the Wesleyan Fellowship Sunday School Class.

Vera is survived by her two daughters and their husbands, Susan Smith (Allen) and Jane White (Aaron); grandchildren, Sydney and Sara Kate Smith and Charlie White; sister-in-law, Camilla Schubart; niece, Jenna Schubart Smith; and many dear cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, Vera was predeceased by her husband, Gene, and by her brother, Charles Samuel Schubart, Jr. (Chuck).

A memorial service will be held at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Rd., Raleigh, NC on October 16 at 2:00pm, followed by a visitation reception.

Memorials may be given to Hayes Barton United Methodist Church to The Pastors Discretionary Fund.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/vera-holshouser-obituary?id=36743429