Vera Bryan was the only Daughter of Minnie & Lawrence Bryan. She was born April 30, 1919. She attended school in Ranger as well. When Vera was sixteen she married Willard Blankenship and they eloped to California to start a new life. Of course this was in the middle of The Great Depression and hard times. After being in California for only a short time, Willard became very sick due to appendicitis. They were both young, very poor, and had no family in the area. Without any money to pay for medical services they couldn't find a doctor that would help. As a last resort and being one of the only options they had, the couple hopped a train to try and make it back to Texas. Willard passed away on Oct 4, 1935 before the couple could make it home. This left Vera widowed and unknowingly expecting twins. Not sure how far along she was but she did miscarry, possibly due to the stress & heartbreak of losing her first love. Vera did remarry a few years later to a gentleman by the name of Eldred Bell. Eldred was from Baird Texas and worked many years for the Railroad. Vera and Eldred moved to Palestine Texas in the 1940's where they lived the rest of their lives. After Eldred passed away Feb. 2, 1980, Vera became very active in her senior groups. She loved horse races and her music. She was a member of the Holy City Strummers Ukulele Band for many years as the lead guitar player and received a standing ovation in the original Grand Ole Opry building for her solo performance of Frankie and Johnny were lovers. Vera passed away January 21, 1994 at age 74.
Vera Bryan was the only Daughter of Minnie & Lawrence Bryan. She was born April 30, 1919. She attended school in Ranger as well. When Vera was sixteen she married Willard Blankenship and they eloped to California to start a new life. Of course this was in the middle of The Great Depression and hard times. After being in California for only a short time, Willard became very sick due to appendicitis. They were both young, very poor, and had no family in the area. Without any money to pay for medical services they couldn't find a doctor that would help. As a last resort and being one of the only options they had, the couple hopped a train to try and make it back to Texas. Willard passed away on Oct 4, 1935 before the couple could make it home. This left Vera widowed and unknowingly expecting twins. Not sure how far along she was but she did miscarry, possibly due to the stress & heartbreak of losing her first love. Vera did remarry a few years later to a gentleman by the name of Eldred Bell. Eldred was from Baird Texas and worked many years for the Railroad. Vera and Eldred moved to Palestine Texas in the 1940's where they lived the rest of their lives. After Eldred passed away Feb. 2, 1980, Vera became very active in her senior groups. She loved horse races and her music. She was a member of the Holy City Strummers Ukulele Band for many years as the lead guitar player and received a standing ovation in the original Grand Ole Opry building for her solo performance of Frankie and Johnny were lovers. Vera passed away January 21, 1994 at age 74.
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