Vera Ann Hickson Upshaw, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and faithful servant of God, was born on July 5, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Rose Etta Hardy and Norwood Ocelea Hickson.

At the age of six, Vera moved with her parents and her brother, Norwood “Woody” Hickson Jr., from Newark to Maplewood, New Jersey. In 1960, her family built their home in Maplewood, becoming the first African American family on their block. 

Vera attended Tuscan Elementary School and Maplewood Junior High School before graduating from Columbia High School in Maplewood in 1972. She continued her education at Kean College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy.

Vera had a natural love for children and dedicated her career to helping them thrive. She spent many years working in schools and in the private homes of families, providing occupational therapy services to children with special needs. Her patience, compassion, and genuine care for the children she served were a reflection of the loving person she was.

Vera was introduced to God at a young age at First Baptist Church in Vauxhall, New Jersey, where she was baptized. Her family later began regularly attending Bethany Baptist Church, where Vera remained a lifelong and devoted member. Her faith was an essential part of who she was.

At Bethany, Vera served as a Deacon and led the Young Adults Refuge Program. She remained active in the church and was always willing to serve wherever she was needed. Whether through her leadership, her willingness to help, or simply her presence, Vera touched the lives of many within her church family.

It was also at Bethany Baptist Church that Vera met the love of her life, Ross Upshaw. The two were married on April 8, 1994, at Bethany Baptist Church and began their life together in Hackensack, New Jersey. A year later, they welcomed their daughter, Mackenzie Rose Upshaw, on July 3, 1995.

Vera cherished being a wife and mother. She was a woman who could bring warmth and joy into a room, and those who knew her will remember not only her strength and compassion, but also her fun-loving and upbeat spirit. She had a special love for the color green and frogs, small pieces of her personality that will forever bring smiles to those who loved her.

After a courageous ten-month battle with illness, Vera peacefully passed away on July 28, 2026. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved her, her legacy of faith, love, service, and compassion will continue through the countless lives she touched.

Vera was predeceased by her father, Norwood Ocelea Hickson; her mother, Rose Etta Hardy; her mother-in-law, Frances Rhodes; and her nephew, Cory Young.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Ross Upshaw; her beloved daughter, Mackenzie Upshaw; her brother, Norwood “Woody” Hickson Jr.; her nephews, Alan King, Terrel Stowers, Christopher Stowers, Donny Stowers, Sharrod Young, and Sam Hickson; her nieces, Kawanzaa King, Latasha Upshaw, Shequera Upshaw, and Imani Young; her sisters-in-law, Rene Upshaw, Yvonne Wynn, Renee Kelly, and Darlene Judson; her brothers-in-law, Leon Upshaw, Keith Wynn, Darryl Carpenter, and Martin Kelly; her aunt, Elizabeth Hardy; her cousins, Marsha Hawkins and Gwyn Staten; and a host of extended family members, friends, church family, former colleagues, and countless others who loved her dearly. 

Vera's life was a testament to faith, family, service, and love. She gave so much of herself to others, and her kindness will live on in the children she helped, the church she served, the family she loved, and the many people fortunate enough to know her.

Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate the beautiful life she lived and hold onto the promise of her faith: that death is not the end, but a homegoing into the presence of God.

Lovingly Submitted, 

The Family