Vera Everette Baer

era “Nell” Everette Baer, affectionately known as Mama Baer, joined her husband Erwin in celebration of a new life on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014. Nell was born on Sept. 3, 1925 in Lynchburg, a daughter of the late James H. Everette, Sr. and the late Vera Allen Everette.

She married the love of her life on July 26, 1947 at Holy Cross Catholic Church where she remained a member. Nell was a graduate of E.C. Glass High School and excelled as a member of the Glass chorus.

She was preceded in death by her husband Erwin, after 52 wonderful years of marriage, a daughter, Cecelia Ann Baer, a son, Edward Alan Baer and a brother James H. Everette, Jr.

When Erwin began his business, Baer & Son Memorials with his father in 1959, she became their secretary/treasurer, all the while raising 4 young children. Later for a short time, she owned and operated a gift shop, Baer Necessities located adjacent to the family business on Wards Road. She continued working in the business until the time that their three sons were able to take over the business, then known as Baer & Sons. At that time they were able to retire and travel the country in their RV. They traveled to all but three states within the USA, but their most memorable, were the extended time spent in Florida, particularly Walt Disney World. Upon her husband’s illness she spent more time in Lynchburg taking care of him and the grandkids, for whom she doted on all the time. Upon Erwin’s death, she spent more time doing things for others. She volunteered at Virginia Baptist Hospital as a Pink Lady, at Paul Munro Elementary School where she assisted her daughter-in-law Donna with whatever tasks were required of her and was known as “Nannie Baer” to all the staff and children. She was also a volunteer to her other daughter-in-law, Sara in the Elon Elementary School Library during Book Fair where she was the unofficial bookkeeper and money manager.

Nell was a friend to all in her community of the Stonegate Villas where she lived. She was the activity director for a time at Stonegate and the unofficial greeter to all new neighbors. She was a member of the women’s ensemble, Treble Tapestry singing alongside her granddaughter, Meredith where she sung Soprano. She was a true friend to everyone she met.

Nell is survived by her sons, Charles Erwin Baer and wife Sara, Michael Everette Baer & wife Donna, daughter-in-law Kathy Riner Baer all of Lynchburg, her grandchildren, Michelle Baer Gray and husband Billy and great – grandsons Dylan & Jordan of Pinehurst NC, Meredith Noel Baer of Lynchburg, Ashley Baer Ferguson & husband Waverly and great-granddaughter Claire, of Providence Forge, Abbey Marie Baer of Richmond and Andrew Peter Baer of Lynchburg. She is also survived by her sister, Connie Main, and husband John of Lynchburg as well as many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be conducted today, August 18, 2014 at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 710 Clay Street on August 19, 2014 at 11:00am. A reception will follow, with burial at Spring Hill Cemetery.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg (434-237-9424) is assisting the family.