Velma Obenhaus Jerkins

Velma O. Jerkins, of Tampa, FL, and Franklin, TN, passed away peacefully at the age of 102 years, on March 18, 2025. Velma was a devoted Christian, a loving mother and grandmother, a trusted advisor, and fierce friend. Those who knew her could not help but to love her dearly. She was always ready with a joke, sassy remark, or a language and grammar pun. She loved to read and discuss books and to watch Buccaneers football. She hated to be cold but braved the icy Tennessee weather for every family gathering with a simple declaration of “there’s ice in that wind.” She loved sunflowers, a reflection of the sunshine she brought into the lives of everyone she knew. She started every conversation with a smile and ended every farewell with “be careful.” She reminded us all to trust in God daily and to pray without ceasing.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her daughter-in-law, Tammy Jerkins, and her granddaughter, Rebecca Avila. She is survived by her sons Randy Jerkins (Terri) and Forrest Jerkins, and by eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held in Nashville, TN at Brentwood Roesch Patton Funeral Home on Monday, March 24, at 3:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held in Garden of Memories, Tampa, FL on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief.