Velma Irene Smith

Velma Irene Smith, 95, El Dorado Springs, passed away on July 16, 2011, at Community Springs Healthcare. She was born Sept. 19, 1915, in Bourbon, OR, to Claude Neely and Jessie (Clopton) Neely.

She attended school at Cedar Springs. On Feb. 25, 1935, Velma married Everett Paul “Shorty” Smith in Fort Scott, KS and when he passed away, they had been married 52 years. To this union three children were born - Everett, Marcelle and Wayne.

Velma was a member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church in Cedar Springs. As a God fearing and family loving woman, the most important things in her life were her family and her church. Velma was proud of her children and was heard to say, “I have three kids - a preacher, a teacher and a banker.” Velma was a very talented lady. She enjoyed painting and gardening, but her special talent was poetry. Through the years she wrote many poems, several of which were published.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, two brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her three children -
Everett Smith - El Dorado Springs, Marcelle Goodwin - White Salmon, WA, and Wayne Smith - South Bend, IN; nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Services began at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 21, at Concord Missionary Baptist Church, Cedar Springs. The family received friends from 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Bro. DeWayne Burdette will officiate. Interment will follow in Lebeck Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Mike Goodwin, Kevin Smith, William Smith, Aaron Smith, Nathan Wesley, Daulton Wesley, Josh Roudebush, Cade Shay and Tanner Smith.

Online condolences may be left on our web site at: www.blandhackleman.com.