Venelle Uptain Landers was born on July 4, 1935 in Colbert County, Alabama. She attended LaGrange School and graduated from Colbert County High School. Venelle married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Landers, on August 2, 1952.
Following Kenneth’s military service, she and her husband both attended Auburn University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Later in her career, she received a Class AA Professional Educator Certificate (Ed.S.) from Jacksonville State University.
She was employed by Jacksonville Schools from 1966 to 1989, having taught elementary and special education classes. During her tenure, she supervised numerous student teachers, and led presentations for teacher in-service training. A registered psychometrist, she tested children in several school systems in Northeast Alabama prior to and following her retirement.
A lifelong Baptist and “preacher’s kid”, she sang in the choir, played the piano, and attended “singing schools” as a youngster.
Venelle was an excellent cook who enjoyed sharing her recipes and culinary skills with friends and family. In addition, she enjoyed bird watching, crocheting, canning, sewing, gardening, reading, and playing the piano.
At various times, Venelle was active in the Jacksonville Lions Club, Garden Club, Forney Chapter of the UDC, JSU Faculty Wives’ Club, American Association of University Women, the “Keenagers” at First Baptist Church, as well as other school, community and church organizations. She served on the Jacksonville Library Board during the relocation to the former US Post Office building, and once ran for Jacksonville City Council.
Mrs. Landers was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Dr. Kenneth Earl Landers; parents, Reverend N. Wiley Uptain and Lillie Mae Rickard Uptain; brother, Terry Ray Uptain; infant sister, Marilyne Uptain.
She is survived by her children, Tim Landers (Ramona); Letitia Landers King; and Joel Landers (Dianne). Grandchildren, Rebekah King Fahey (Matt); Tim Edge; Shane Edge; and Anthony Willingham; great-grandchildren, Ashli Edge, Connor & Katie Edge; cousin-who-is-like-a-sister, Wendy Britton. Numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and former students.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm till 6:00 pm. Friday, June 1, 2018 at Gray Brown-Service in Anniston.
Funeral services will be 2:00pm, Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church, 10394 Hwy 48, Russellville, AL 35654, with the Reverend Bob Ford of Jacksonville officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Music will be provided by special friends, Brandon Pisacrita and Krystal Parris. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Pallbearers will be cousins and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers are Mary Bundrum, Dora Mattox, Bill Meehan, Mitchell McKay, Joel Williams, as well as fellow faculty members and former students.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amedisys Hospice Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
