Velna Rollins Patrick

COLUMBIA - Velna Rollins Patrick, 86, died peacefully on April 13, 2016, at National HealthCare Greenville after an extended illness. Velna was a resident of Columbia, SC, for most of her adult life, prior to her illness and her husband’s death. She was born at home on November 19, 1929, in Nesmith, SC, to the late James Gamble and Geneva Mobley Rollins. Velna was the valedictorian of her class at Indiantown High School, and went on to receive a B.A. from Coker College in 1950. After several years as a classroom teacher, she earned a Masters of Education degree from the University of South Carolina. In 1990, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Coker College. Her service to Coker included two terms as President of the Alumni Association and a seat on the Board of Trustees. She was further recognized with the Distinguished Service to Coker College Award, “for giving generously of her time, energy and talents to her alma mater with unswerving devotion and commitment” and “for her dedicated efforts and achievements as an educator, administrator, devoted wife, mother and churchwoman; exemplifying wisdom, fairness and thoughtfulness.” Velna’s career in education culminated as principal of Arden, Burnside, Bradley and Horrell Hill Elementary Schools in Richland County School District One. Velna was a devout Christian and lifelong student of the Bible. She was a faithful member of Greenlawn Baptist Church in Columbia, SC, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and chairperson of numerous committees. Velna appreciated beautiful things, and was very artistic and creative. Over the years, she enjoyed working on many needlework projects, some of which won ribbons at the SC State Fair. She took great joy in preparing a wonderful meal, baking a pound cake, attending Clemson ballgames and events with family and friends, and supporting the grandsons in all their activities. Over the years, she helped the boys with their school projects, attended performances, made costumes, and encouraged them in their pursuits. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing them with their own families and was so very proud of the men they have become. On April 17, 2013, she lost her loving husband of 61 years, Walter Marion “Pat” Patrick, Jr. The devotion, unwavering love and respect they held for each other was without question. Theirs was truly a marriage of “til death do us part,” and Pat’s death left a void in her heart as her health declined. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Alvin Rollins of Nesmith, SC and Jay Rollins of Georgetown, SC. She is survived by daughters, Rose Patrick Smith (Dabney) of Raleigh, NC and Marian Patrick Temple (Jerry) of Greer, SC; grandsons, Kip Tomlinson (Allison) of Anderson, SC; Graydon Tomlinson (Heather) of Greenville, SC and Geoffrey Temple (Caroline) of Charleston, SC; great-grandchildren, Anna, Creighton, and Emerson Tomlinson and Mallie, Lincoln, and Tucker Tomlinson, along with numerous other family members. Velna was a beautiful and elegant lady, revered and beloved by all who knew and loved her. She was incredibly smart, kind and generous, with a warm smile for everyone who crossed her path. She was an exemplary role model for her daughters, and has left her family a wonderful legacy of service and faithfulness. She will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. at Greenlawn Baptist Church in Columbia, SC. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the sanctuary of the church. Memorials may be made in Velna’s memory to Greenlawn Baptist Church, 6612 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209.