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Community Mourns the Loss of Music Teacher Vera Thompson Elliott

A heartfelt community tribute honoring the legacy of music teacher Vera Thompson Elliott.

News Summary

The Richmond County community is grieving the loss of Vera Thompson Elliott, a beloved music teacher who dedicated her life to inspiring students through music. Known for her warmth and deep commitment to music education, Vera’s legacy will be felt by her family and countless students. A funeral service will be held on January 5, 2025, as friends and family come together to honor her memory.

Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Music Teacher Vera Thompson Elliott

Augusta, GA – The heart of the Richmond County community is heavy with sadness as they bid farewell to a very special person, Vera Thompson Elliott, who passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Known for her love of music and her dedication to teaching, Vera was described by those who knew her as someone who is now singing and worshipping Jesus in her eternal home.

Vera’s journey began on Broad Street in Augusta, where she was born to Robbie D. and Mae Thompson. She spent her formative years in picturesque Graniteville, SC, where she graduated in 1954 with a music degree from Newberry College in Newberry, SC. Her passion for music blossomed early on; during her college years, she taught private piano lessons and worked at the Graniteville Company Mill each summer, intertwining her love for music with hard work and perseverance.

A Legacy in Music Education

Throughout her impressive career, Vera became a cornerstone of the Richmond County public school music program, inspiring countless students with her patience and creativity. A dedicated music educator, she continued her mission to spread the joy of music by teaching private piano lessons well into her later years.

In addition to her career, Vera was a devoted family woman. She raised three children—Mike, Mark, and Joy—imparting her passion for music to each of them. Her musical journey started at a remarkably young age; she began serving as a church pianist at just 12 years old. For over 50 years, Vera led choirs at the Augusta Primitive Baptist Church, creating beautiful melodies that echoed through the hallways and touched the hearts of many.

Her love for music didn’t stop there! Vera was also a beloved member of the Abilene Baptist Church choir and spent her later years attending Warren Baptist Church, where she was active in the Joy Sunday School Class. Her impact on the community was profound; several of her students went on to embrace music in their own lives, including her son-in-law, who considers Vera his very first music teacher.

Family and Community Connections

Vera was married to her beloved husband, Billy L. Elliott, for an incredible 59 years. Together, they created a loving environment filled with music and family. Vera leaves behind her three children—Michael Elliott (with Susan), Mark Elliott (with Tina), and Joy Hoover (with Robert)—along with an impressive legacy of eight grandchildren. Those grandchildren include: Jesse Elliott, Lindy Youngblood, Eli Elliott, Hannah Walden, Bethany O’Banion, Cameron Hoover, Rebekah Olsen, and Ezra Elliott. She also touched the lives of her 18 great-grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy of love and music.

Final Farewell

The community is coming together to honor Vera’s cherished memory. Her funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son, with Pastor Dave Dillard officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Friends and family are invited to visit one hour prior to the service at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, located at 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations made in her memory to Gideons International, a cause that Vera greatly supported.

As the community gathers to remember Vera, they celebrate a bright spirit who filled lives with music, laughter, and love. Her remarkable journey and unwavering dedication to teaching will leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.