Velma Lucille Wilson

Velma was born on December13, 1921, to Nuell and Leola Sharp in Watson, MO. In her childhood, Velma grew up on the family farm. As the oldest of seven children, she was very responsible and shared many of the same characteristics as her mother. Velma attended high school in Rockport, MO.

Early in life, Velma met Ray Wilson who lived nearby in Nebraska. The two were Married on September 3, 1939, and spent 54 years together before Ray passed away in 1994. Ray and Velma were a perfect match. Together they welcomed their first daughter Sharon while still in MO. Shortly after, the family relocated to California where they welcomed their daughters Arlene and Marsha. Velma worked and retired from the State hospital. After retiring, Ray and Velma moved north to Grants Pass, OR. After Ray’s passing, Velma remained at her Grants Pass home until just before her hundredth birthday.

Velma will be greatly missed by her sister Janie, sister-in-law Jean, son-in-law Bill, grandchildren Julie, Danny, Lori, Deanna, and Steve. Her great grandchildren Mark, Tasha, Kambria, Jaron, Tadan, Chad, Sara, Gibson, Garrett, Lindsey, Cassidy, Wes, Cole, Wilson, and Spencer. great great grandchildren Brenen, Kaiden, Kamden, Keegan, Abel, Penelope, Genevieve, Wyatt, Ayla, Marcell, Charlotte, Emmy, and Jameson. As well as many more friends and extended family.

She reunited with her parents Nuell and Leola, husband Ray, brothers Arnold, Irvin, Maurice, and Carol Dean, Sister Clara Belle, daughters Sharon, Arlene, and Marsha, granddaughter Sheri and many friends.

Velma had a heart of gold. She knew how to share her love and was exceptional at bringing people together. She did this particularly well when it came to her family. She always did her best to make sure everyone was together as much as possible. She was sometimes a quiet person, but that could end abruptly when she burst out with her signature laughter when sharing funny stories. She was strong and independent, but also nurturing and compassionate. She loved to read and travel. She enjoyed puzzles, music, cooking, attending church at Bethany Presbyterian, and most of all, spending time with her loved ones. She was strong-willed and could be stubborn, mainly because she knew exactly who she was. More importantly, she was both kind and fair.

Velma was as strong as they came. She experienced more loss than any one person should, yet she carried on in perseverance. Her legacy and memories left behind will be generational inspirations. When speaking with her loved ones, she would often say “I think about you all the time”. Now she is at peace and reunited with Ray and the girls. As she taught us all the importance of togetherness, now, we can honor her with this simple phrase, we think of you all the time…