February 17, 1936 – April 22, 2025
Vera Ann Hester Custer died April 22, 2025, in her home with family and loved ones. She was 89 years old.
She was born in Climax, Georgia on February 17, 1936, the first of three children born to Lota and C.B. “Cotton” Hester, Sr. Vera’s father was an agent for the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, and the family moved several times because of new railroad assignments, from Climax, to River Junction, to Cairo, and finally to Bainbridge before settling down.
Vera attended Bainbridge High School, graduating in 1954. Known for her keen wit and sense of humor, her high school yearbook contains a favorite quote beside her photo: “Beware, I might do something sensible.”
She did just that following high school by obtaining employment at The Southern Bell Company as a switchboard operator, at a time when the locals identified the first three digits of their number as “Cherry 6.” After several years, Vera was promoted to supervisor of the operation before romance interfered with her career in communications.
On May 4, 1959, Vera married Vance Custer and ultimately the couple had two children, William Vance “Bill” Custer, IV and Cawthon “Cotton” Hester Custer on whom they doted and guided through their academic and professional careers. The couple was happily married until Vance’s untimely death in 2020 during the Covid pandemic – a span of over 50 years.
During her marriage and after, Vera was both an extraordinary parent and an active participant in many community affairs. One of her favorites was the Bainbridge Book Club which at her death had been in existence for over 95 years, one of the oldest such continuously run clubs in the country. The book club was a natural fit for Vera’s interests. A compulsive reader, Vera read dozens of books a year and took enormous pride in her thoughtful and entertaining reports to the club.
Vera achieved perhaps more recognition as a passionate gardener and local artist who was gifted at painting the natural scenery and wildlife of her gardens, Lake Douglas, and the varied landscapes of southwest Georgia. She received awards in a number of area competitions and her paintings still hang in many homes throughout the region.
During the mid-seventies, Vera took on a larger challenge. She became a member of the “Peanut Brigade” for Jimmy Carter during his historic run for the presidency in 1976. During her service, Vera travelled to key primary states, knocking on doors, and introducing a candidate to voters that many referred to only as “Jimmy Who.” Vera and other supporters turned the tide with a unique combination of southern charm and enthusiasm. With victories in the early primaries, Carter was catapulted into the national spotlight and ultimately the Presidency. After his inauguration, most recognized the important role of the Peanut Brigade in Carter’s win. Carter, himself, invited Vera and Vance to stay in the White House as a way of extending his gratitude for their efforts.
It is not possible to describe all of Vera’s contributions to her community in the brevity of an obituary, but Vera was also an Elder and Elder Emeritus in the First Presbyterian Church of Bainbridge, served on the Bainbridge Tree Committee, and, along with close friend Sug Reynolds, she volunteered to supervise the landscaping of many of Bainbridge’s parks and other properties.
In short, Vera lived a rich and full life of which anyone could be proud. Her family loved her dearly and will miss her very much.
Vera is survived by her sons William Vance Custer, IV, and Cawthon Hester Custer, her daughters in law, Cheryl Fisher Custer, and Michael Morrone Custer, her grandchildren, Victoria Elaine Custer (and her husband Seth F. Eintez), Brooks Ann Custer and William Vance Morrone Custer, her sister Barbara Hester Morris and brother C.B. “Cotton” Hester, Jr., and nieces Terry Brinson Lanier, Dina Chestnut Love, Tammy Cleaveland, Sandy Hester, and Julie Custer Altman as well as her nephew, Clayton Custer.
Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with a private interment following at Oak City Cemetery. Tommy Dollar, Chip Knight, Mark Harrell, John Reynolds, Wendell Nix, Edward Reynolds, and Sammy Griffin will serve as active pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Custer home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you instead consider a gift to the First Presbyterian Church of Bainbridge Georgia, P.O. Box 7067, or the Memorial Hospital and Manor Foundation, 1500 E. Shotwell St. Bainbridge, Ga. 39819.
The Custer Family extends sincere gratitude to Diana Moore and the many caregivers who lovingly cared for Vera.
Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)
