Vera L. Pruitt-Allyson

Vera L. Pruitt-Allyson, 91, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Liberty Village in Freeport. Born on June 30, 1934, in Prescott, Arkansas, she was the daughter of T. Hayes and Hattie Walker. She attended school in Prescott before moving to Bruce, Mississippi, to live with her sisters. There she met and married Thomas Pruitt in 1953. The couple moved to Freeport, Illinois, in 1954 and were blessed with ten children.

Later known as Vera Allyson, she earned her GED from Highland Community College on June 9, 1976. She worked for 14 years at Micro Switch before retiring. Vera found joy in cooking, gardening, and reading while enjoying a good cup of hot tea. Above all, she cherished her family and friends, greeting everyone with a warm smile and genuine kindness.

She is survived by one daughter, Tamilla (Rev. Rickey) Stidman; seven sons, Garland (Loretta) Pruitt, Eric (Prose) Vonzel, Kerry Pruitt, Maurece Pruitt, Phelix (Felecia) Pruitt, Andre (Algina) Pruitt, and Julius (Borey) Pruitt; 39 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren; a special niece, Bobbie Sue Belin of Las Vegas, Nevada; a cousin, Lester Livingston of Chicago, Illinois; and a host of other nieces and nephews.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; four brothers; two daughters, Devorie and Yasmin; one son, Randall; two grandsons, Jermaine and Roy; and one great-great-granddaughter, Amariyah.