Vera Louise Vanderwaal

Vera Louise Campbell (Grant) VanderWaal, 94, Johns Island, South Carolina, passed away Sunday, September 20th, 2026. She was born April 14, 1932, in Greene County, near Rogersville, Missouri, to Charles Miller Campbell and Marie Audrey Phillips.

Vera graduated from Rogersville High School and entered college as a Music Major in 1950. After meeting her devoted first Husband, Leonard Otis Grant, they were married in 1956. They were very active in the First Baptist Church of Raytown, Missouri. After their daughter, Deborah graduated from Raytown High School, Vera and Leonard relocated to Carrollton, Texas where Vera worked for Phillips Driscopipe. They were married for 35 years. Vera later married John Ratliff. Together they enjoyed camping fifth wheel style and country western dancing.

Later in life Vera relocated to Johns Island to live her final years with her daughter Deborah Grimshaw, son-in-law James Grimshaw, and granddaughter Mary Morgan Grimshaw. Vera was known for her love of family, stylish clothing and celebrating God through song and praise. She enjoyed baking and was known for sharing her chocolate chip cookies with neighbors.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Virgil Campbell, sister Marjorie Campbell-Mills, and sister Dorthy Jean Campbell-Frederickson. She is survived by her daughter Deboarh Grimshaw, son-in-law James Grimshaw, granddaughter Mary Morgan Grimshaw and stepdaughter Charlotte Ratliff, as well as niece Shirley Jo Chavers, nephews Edwin Frederickson, Philip Frederickson, Garry Frederickson, Shirley Jo Chavers and Kevin Mills.

Vera will rest in peace at Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield Missouri, alongside her Campbell siblings and larger Campbell and Miller family clans.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, (843)722-8371.