Vera Mae Byse, affectionately known as Red to family, Vera Mae to friends as well as ma, grandma and nana was born on May 31, 1952 to Fred and Doris Goforth. She entered her eternal home on Feb. 4, 2026, at the age of 73.
She met Roy Byse, the biggest smart aleck she’d ever run across, at work and ended up marrying him on May 28, 1971. To this union two daughters were born, Melinda Renea and Michelle Lynn.
Vera had a strong work ethic and took great pride in doing things well and giving her best, whether at work, at home or outdoors. She cared for all those around her.
She found happiness and peace in growing flowers and gardening, tending to her plants with patience and love. The beauty she created in her gardens reflected who she was — beautiful and quietly generous. She took special care in making memorial flowers, a quiet act of kindness she offered to others.
One of the things she enjoyed most was traveling the countryside with Roy on the back of their Gold Wing. They covered many miles and visited countless states, sometimes they went just the two of them, but most of the time they went with their Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter R motorcycle group, who they shared many laughs and great times with.
Vera loved to cook and enjoyed sharing her creations with everyone who came to her home. One of her favorite things to make and she might be almost famous for are her popcorn balls. She would make and distribute them to co-workers and friends weeks before, but they went to all the neighborhood kids and families on Halloween night.
Her grandkids and great grandson were her pride and joy. You didn’t go to grandma’s house without loads of fun to be had and you never left without something to eat. She was always eager to hear what things they were up to and what they were going to do next.
She was preceded in death by her mom and dad, brother, Doyle Goforth; sisters, Faye Aldridge and Freda Kell; and grandson, Gaven French.
She leaves behind to mourn her passing, husband, Roy Byse; daughters, Melinda Hutson and husband Floyd; and Michelle Lay; grandkids, Travis Hutson and wife Rachel, Brighton Hutson and Madison French, great grandson, Stetson Hutson; brothers, Dewayne Goforth and Donnie Goforth; and sisters, Cleta McKinney, Delores Haney and Patricia Neugebauer; as well as a host of other friends and relatives.
Vera was a very generous lady who loved spending all the time she could with her family. We take comfort in knowing that because she had accepted Jesus as her savior and was baptized that we also have the opportunity to see her again.
The family will host a Celebration of Life Visitation from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Cabool Second Baptist Church. Cremation arrangements were under the care of Bradford Funeral Home and online condolences may be left at www.bradfordfuneralhome.net.