Vera Estell Spears

Vera Estell Spears, 93, of Richmond, Texas, passed away on March 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 4, 1932, in Caddo Mills, Texas, to Windy and Eva Gray, Vera—also known as Pat—worked at Taco Bell for more than two decades. She found deep fulfillment in serving her community and was known for her nurturing spirit, earning the affectionate title of “Mom” from nearly everyone who knew her. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Vera was preceded in death by her husband, William Travis Spears; her parents, Windy Gray and Eva Morris; her children, Joe Patterson, David Patterson, William (Billy) Spears, and Robert (Bobby) Spears; her sons-in-law, Paul Reis and Patrick Yates; and her siblings, Bob Gray, Louise Green, Frances Pitts, William Ernest Gray, and Luther Ray Gray.

She is survived by her children, James Patterson (Vivian), Patsy Reis, Darlene Rivera (Walter), and Janet Spears; her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Spears; her son-in-law, Jesus Medina; her siblings, Richard Gray and Patricia Gray; and her grandchildren, Jimmy Patterson, David Patterson, Curtis Patterson, Kenny Winters, Lee Winters, Deborah Griesbach, Angelique Rivera, Scot Rivera, Travis Yates, Joshua Spears, Jennifer Spears, Deandra Frausto, Kristen Spears, and Robert Spears.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Association for Cancer Research.