Vera James celebrated her 104th birthday on Tuesday January 29 at Batehaven.
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Born in Goulburn on January 29 in 1915, Vera is the youngest child of Allie Lillian Barry (Apps) and George Tanner Barry.
Vera’s brother, Morris, and sister, Edie Chapman, predeceased her.
Vera Barry married Goulburn man Doug James in Goulburn on July 19 in 1938.
They were well-known residents in the town.
Vera and Doug were avid tennis players, often found at the Railway Tennis Club courts.
She worked at the department store Fossey’s for more than 20 years. Her sister Edie also worked there.
On retiring in 1972, Vera and Doug moved to Batehaven.
They both played lawn bowls and were avid gardeners.
Vera’s daughters – myself (Mrs John Cooper) and Colleen (Mrs Les Murphy) – with our mum for her birthday, along with Colleen's husband, Les.
Vera's godson, Goulburn resident Robert Christie, and councillor Carol James were also in attendance, along with Robert’s sister, Barbara, who travelled from Pambula with her husband Alf.
Vera has welcomed four grandchildren – Suzanne, Anthony (deceased), Jason and Sheridan – as well as five great-grandchildren.
In her lifetime has been the appointment of 24 Australian prime ministers, the declaration and cessation of two World Wars, the invention of the motor car, and space exploration and moon landings, among many other moments in history.
Until a recent fall, Vera had continued to reside in her own home.
She now resides at Maranatha Lodge in Batehaven.
