Obituary
O’Vera Corbin Pool, better known as Vera, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Vera was born on July 27, 1946 in Money, MS to her parents Alberta and Rayfield Corbin, Sr. Two children were born to this union. Vera’s mother died at a young age and she and her older sister Rachel were raised by their grandparents, the late Rev. Jerry G. and Blanche Myers.
Vera was raised in a Christian home attending church regularly and she served God throughout her life, in her earlier years and adulthood she was a member and faithful servant at Morning Star Baptist Church. She would always say “God has blessed me, so I am able to bless others”.
Vera attended Money Wilkes School in Money, MS and later the family migrated to Portland, OR in 1961 where Vera attended and graduated from Grant High School in 1964.
Not long after, Vera met a tall, dark and handsome young man by the name of John W. Pool. The two became a couple, dated for five years and were married on July 26, 1969. Their love sustained their marriage for 54 years.
On March 12, 1972 they welcomed a bundle of joy into the world, their beloved daughter Sheina Karia the one and only child born to this union.
Vera believed very strongly in higher education, to her it was an avenue to knowledge, power and financial freedom. She graduated from the University of Portland in 1971 receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, in 1974 Master of Arts in Education and in 1978 Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
In 1970 Vera entered the work force joining the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office where she worked very hard and was dedicated to her profession. She achieved several rankings including Sergeant, Lieutenant, and retired after 56 years of service as the Corrections Chief Deputy. Vera was a pioneer in the field of Corrections for black women and all women, black men, People of Color and anyone willing to listen and follow her leadership. She believed strongly in racial justice and fairness, fighting hard for herself and her colleagues in the advancement of their careers. Vera obtained numerous awards and accolades during her career including The Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Lifetime Achievement Award after completing 50 years of service.
Vera’s work went beyond the walls of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, extending into the classroom as an adjunct professor at Portland Community College Cascade Campus instructing on the Criminal Justice System. Vera was a member and served on the board of the National Organization of Blacks in Law Enforcement Executives, and the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. She loved serving in these organizations, showing her dedication by attending, leading and organizing conferences and board meetings around the country which she continued to do throughout her life.
In the 1980’s Vera pledged and became a member of The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. serving as the president of the Portland Chapter where she played a role in developing the June Key Delta Community Center impacting her community through mentorship programs. Vera believed and displayed the importance of excellence in everything she did.
Vera’s involvement in her national organizations took her across the country and the world. She was known as an avid traveler, going to various destinations such as Hong Kong, South Korea, France, and Spain to name a few. She also exposed her family and friends to the wonders of traveling.
Not only was she avid about traveling but also about The Portland Trail Blazers where she held season tickets since 1977, the year the Blazers won the NBA Championship! She would often be seen at the Blazers games sitting close under the basketball hoop near the court in her fashionable and fabulous garments in red and black rooting on her Trail Blazers.
Not to mention she was a great bowler too. She bowled for years on various teams including teams with her husband John, sister Rachel and her beloved cousin Percy Brown.
Vera loved fine clothing and was known as a sharp dresser wearing fashions looking like they came out of a Vogue magazine. She was a professional shopper, always finding good bargains and sharing how much she saved on her purchases. You could regularly find clothing in her closet with the tags still on them.
Vera is preceded in death by her husband John; her parents Alberta and Rayfield Corbin, Sr.; her brother Rayfield Corbin Jr.; sisters: Carol Chisholm, and Linda Corbin Grubb.
She leaves to cherish her memories with her daughter Sheina P. Sadza (Peter) of Tucson, AZ; her grandchildren: Gabriel and Sofia Sadza; her sisters: Rachel Corbin of Vancouver, WA and Lucille Drayton of Memphis, TN; her Aunt Francis Myers of Portland, OR; children she helped raise: her nephew Curtis Scott (Doreen) and Cousin Jerral Horton; 8 nephews, 3 nieces, a host of cousins whom she was close to and many called her auntie; 18 grandnephews, and 8 grandnieces.
Vera will always be remembered for organizing the family reunions, doing things her way and not taking NO for an answer, and putting ketchup on everything!
She was considered as our family matriarch and we will truly miss her leadership, support and caring spirit.
Rest easy our Queen and we will always remember and love you. See you on the other side.
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