Velma Sanford Wingfield

Velma S. Wingfield December 8, 1935 – July 15, 2024 Velma Sanford Wingfield went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 15, 2024 at home on Bird Swamp Farm in Doswell, VA. Velma was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 69 years, Henry C. Wingfield; her parents Joseph Alvin Sanford and Doris Long Sanford; her brother David F. Sanford, and her sisters Marian S. Sollenberger and Kay S. Carter. She is survived by her children Shelby Shores, Sharon Jarrell (Ricky), Sherry McKay (Jimmy), Carolyn Thompson (Bruce), Carlton Wingfield (Sherry) and Linda Hall; her dear sister in-law Edna W. Duggins; 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Velma was 17 when she married her sweet and handsome Henry on August 15, 1953. Together they built a good life raising their children and farming their beloved Bird Swamp Farm. As a farmer’s wife, Velma was no stranger to hard work. She was a great cook, a talented seamstress making clothing for her family and neighbors, dedicated homemaker and gardener. In addition to that, Velma was the local Avon lady for 30 years winning several sales awards. In her spare time Velma loved studying her Bible, doing crossword puzzles and watching the birds that always flocked to her back porch. At the age of 83, Velma discovered that she had both a talent and a love for painting which she enjoyed until her last days. Velma was a devoted and loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. Throughout the years she kept several of her grandchildren, all of whom learned valuable lessons from Velma and Henry about farm life and the freedoms and pleasures of a simpler time. Velma loved her church family at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Beaverdam, VA where she was an active and cherished member. Velma especially loved her lifelong neighbors and friends on Tower Rd. They are truly a community that has loved and helped each other through all of life’s challenges. Velma will be remembered for her deep love of the Lord and for her family and friends. Velma will also most surely be remembered for her “one of a kind” laugh that could fill up a room and often times kept the preacher on his toes. There will never be another soul quite like Velma and our loss is truly heaven’s gain. The family wishes to thank Gale Thomas who was so much more than a caregiver to Velma, the nurses and chaplains at Suncrest Hospice and all of the dedicated family, friends and neighbors that have been there for Velma, especially during her final months. The family also wishes to say a special thank you to Rev. Dale Ashley for his friendship, guidance and counseling throughout the last challenging years of Velma’s life. Velma considered Dale a kindred spirit; both family and dear friend. The family will receive friends at Nelsen Funeral Home-Ashland, 412 S. Washington Highway, Ashland, VA, on Thursday, July 25, from 5-7 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Beaverdam, VA or the American Heart Association.