Vera May Sluys

Vera May (Shire) Sluys, age 95, of Orlando, Florida, formerly of Kentwood, Michigan, joined her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 10, 2024. She was born November 17, 1928 the third daughter to Forrest and Marguerite Shire of St. Joseph, Michigan. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter William Sluys as well as her daughter, Christine (Larry) Manges; two grandsons, Pieter Glefke and Adam Teat; a great grandson, Benjamin Thomas Vetter; sisters, Mildred Clark and Virgil Wessendorf. She is survived by her children: Rev. Thomas (Barbara) Sluys, Dan (Nancy) Sluys, Patricia (Bruce) Philips, Michael (Jeannie) Sluys, Nancy (Ron) Teat; 18 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; many nieces and nephews.  

Though Vera enjoyed reading novels, her early married life was filled with years of child care. Every marriage finds some disagreements but the kids never heard them.  They were quietly resolved behind closed doors away from listening ears. When Walter moved from the pulpit ministry to lead Alumni Relations for the Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, Vera found work as a nursing assistant at Clark Retirement Home. Years of hard work testify to her commitment to be self-supported. She believed she shouldn’t be a burden on her children. Growing up with Vera as our mom, we heard her spontaneously sing “His Eye is on the Sparrow”, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “Blessed Assurance”.  Her contralto voice was pure and spirited so we all just listened instead of trying to sing with her.  It was clear to us where her strength was coming from.  Her later years were more difficult, but Vera still displayed her strong spirit and always reminded her family of her love. 

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, with her son, Rev. Tom Sluys officiating.  A private burial will be held at Rest Lawn Memorial Park.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home.