Miss Vera is the first supernatural entity we're introduced to through Gracie Jean, although we don't actually see her until later. Disappointing her family, her teachers, and potentially becoming unhinged like her mother are some of Gracie's worst fears. Hiram pulls the character of Miss Vera straight from a beloved book of Gracie's, and because she's an authority figure, Gracie doesn't feel like she can stand up to her.
Miss Vera constantly leads Gracie to believe that she will never be good enough and this treatment culminates in outbursts seen both at home and at school. Miss Vera also tries to turn Gracie against her mother by teaching her the lyrics to "Old Black Joe" and the phrase "cat in the bag"; both of which tie back to the traumatic events of Chester's death.
Lucky goes to save Gracie from Miss Vera in the final episode and just as Miss Vera seems to get the upper hand, Gracie realizes her mother is who she truly wants to be. Gracie ultimately defeats Miss Vera by ripping apart her book, saying, "You'll never be like Mama."
