07

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Velma was a dear friend and sister in Eastern Star. Your family is in my heart and prayers. Love,

— Debbie Vaccarelli, Battery Park, Virginia

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Dear cousins, I hold you close in my heart at this time of your loss. I continue to keep you in my prayers. Love you all.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Eddie & Jo,
Thank you for letting Ethel & I know via email that your Mom had passed away. This has been a rough three months for you, Jo & the rest of the family, but God will be with each of you during this time in your lives. It is times like these that makes it so hard being 2,000 miles away from my family in Virginia, but you know I love you both and my prayers are with you always.

Please express my deepest regrets to the rest of your family and let me know if Ethel & I can help ease the pain in any way.

God Bless You My Brother!

Butch, Ethel, Carrie, Jonathan, Diana, & Travis Ragland-
Colorado Springs, CO

— Butch Ragland, Colorado Springs, Colorado Contact Me

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Sue, Bubba, Eddie, Judy, and Families,
I was sorry and shocked to hear that Aunt Velma passed. I just wanted you to know that I understand what you are going through. It is hard to lose your parents, but to lose them so close together is tough. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. If I can do anything, please don't hesitate to call. I am Blessed to have wonderful memories of growing up and sharing my life with Aunt Velma, Uncle Taz and all of you.
With Love to All,
Deb

— Deb Whitley, Hampton, Virginia Contact Me

Thursday, July 17, 2008

We just wanted you to know that our family is thinking of your family at this time and we will keep you in our prayers. Dotson & Seay Families

		NEWPORT NEWS - Velma Whitley passed away suddenly, but peacefully, Saturday, July 12, at age 82. Velma was born May 15, 1926, in Little Rock, Ark. She moved with her family to Los Angeles, Calif., where at age 16, she met a handsome sailor, Taz, who would be her future husband. They moved to the Peninsula in 1954, where they raised four children and enjoyed 63 years in a happy marriage until Taz's death just three months ago. She was a quiet, gentle, kind, and loving woman, who will be deeply missed by her family. Velma was a homemaker, as well as a buyer for Leggett Department Stores and later a Civil Service Clerk at Fort Eustis and the Norfolk Naval Base. She was a member of the First United Church of Christ, Hampton. She was a devoted member and Past Matron (1989-1990, 1993-1994) of the Order of the Eastern Star, Emera Chapter #31. She served as the Grand Representative to the Arizona Order of the Eastern Star (1995-1996).
Velma Sanders Whitley


Velma is survived by her four children, Sue Bommer of Hampton, Tazewell Eley Whitley Jr. and his wife, Rebecca Leigh of Chester, Clarence Edward "Eddie" Whitley and his wife, Jo of Newport News, and Judy Whitley Ganzert and her husband, Don of Richmond, as well as six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one brother-in-law, Robert Joseph Whitley and his wife, Jo of Williamsburg. Eastern Star rites will be performed at the Peninsula Funeral Home, Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. followed by a visitation with the family until 7:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 17, at Peninsula Memorial Park. Pastor Walter Kriner will officiate the service assisted by Pastor Bryan Cheever. The family will receive friends at the Newport News Church of the Nazarene, 29 Harpersville Road, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the charity of your choice. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at http://www.dailypress.com/guestbooks. Published in the Daily Press on 7/15/2008. Guest Book