Vera Grainger-Angelico, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Conway, South Carolina, Vera was known throughout her life for her intelligence, independence, and deep sense of loyalty to the people and causes she loved. She built a distinguished career as a civilian contracting officer serving the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, and was the first woman to hold such a position at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Through her work overseeing contracts and construction projects she earned a reputation for professionalism, fairness, and quiet determination in what was then a largely male-dominated field.

Outside of her professional life, Vera found great joy in service and in the companionship of animals. She volunteered with Re‑TAIL Shop which supports efforts to care for and rehome animals in need. She was a dedicated volunteer at Middleton Place, where she shared her time and enthusiasm with visitors drawn to the beauty and history of the gardens. She also volunteered at Waring Senior Center and Roper St. Francis Hospital in their Outpatient Surgery as well as serving as a roving Ambassador there.

Vera had a special affection for dogs, particularly the South Carolina Boykin Spaniel. Throughout her life she provided loving homes to several, and their companionship was one of her greatest comforts.

She is predeceased by her parents Casey and Reba Grainger, brother Wayne Grainger, and husband Jim Angelico. She is survived by her sister Hilda Rabon, her brother Aubrey Grainger, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, Bailey Grace, her beloved Boykin, and many devoted friends whose kindness and constant care brought her comfort in her final months. She will be remembered for her strength, her competence, and her generosity of spirit.

A remembrance will be held for family and friends at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Middleton Place Foundation at 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414-7200, Boykin Spaniel Rescue, Inc. at 112 Hunter Ridge Drive, Boiling Springs, SC 29316, or the Prayer Garden at Antioch Baptist Church, 2080 Highway 129, Galivants Ferry, SC 29544. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.