Vera Mae Prejean Harrah-White

Vera Mae Prejean Harrah-White, 96, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. She was born on Dec. 26, 1920 in Rayne, La. to the late John Prejean and Alma Wagoner Prejean.
As a young woman, Vera Mae served her country during World War II by working in an aircraft manufacturing plant as one of the famed “Rosie the Riveters.” After the war, she decided to pursue a career outside the home at a time when this was not a typical choice for a woman. Her career continued for many years with many accolades and recognitions for her outstanding contributions.
Vera Mae had a long and distinguished career in the newspaper business. She began her career as a reporter at the Rayne Tribune in Rayne, La., and she continued working at newspapers in Louisiana, California, and Texas, gaining responsibility until attaining the position of Editor-in-Chief of The Edna Herald and The Ganado Tribune.
In 1965, she and her husband, John Harrah, chose Edna as their new home and they purchased the Edna Herald, and then, later, The Ganado Tribune. Together, they advocated for Edna and Jackson County and Vera Mae continued this after John passed in 1972. Among these efforts was helping lead the drive to designate Edna as The Flag City of Texas, building of the Edna Hospital, and bringing the Palmetto Bend Dam to Jackson County.
Vera Mae was involved in her community and her church for many years. She enjoyed dancing, playing bridge, and spending time with her friends, family and beloved pets. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend, and she will be greatly missed.
Vera Mae is survived by her husband, Henry White of Edna; a daughter, Bonnie Rowe and husband, Harry, of Streetman, Texas; two sons, Harry Comeaux and wife, Bobbi, of Houston, and Max Harrah and wife, Vanessa, of Edna; a daughter-in-law, Paula Comeaux; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren both by blood and by spirit.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, Harry Joseph Comeaux and John Robert Harrah, two sisters, Mary Lou Guillaume and Iva Lee Comeaux, and a son, Edgar “Mac” Comeaux.
Visitation will begin in the First United Methodist Church of Edna, on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 9:30-10:45 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may made to the First United Methodist Church - Air Conditioner Fund, 216 W. Main, Edna, Texas 77957.
Arrangements under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home, Edna, 361-782-2221.