Velma Austin Gaskins

She was married to Walton E. Gaskins who has preceded her in death. She is survived by two children, a daughter, Rosa Gaskins and a son, Walton E. Gaskins, Jr. "Bud" and his wife Sheila, and her granddaughter, Angela Gaskins, all of whom reside in Wilmington, NC. From her extended family, she is survived by her sister Jesslyn and her husband, Granny who live in Memphis, TN. She has two brother-in-laws, Eldon Gaskins and his wife Janet, and Keith Gaskins who live in Buxton, NC, along with many nieces and nephews.

Velma was a member of Cape Fear Presbyterian Church and had been an active member of the Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron for Goldenrod Chapter.

The family would like to thank the staff that supported her and cared for her during the last few years that she lived at Wilmington Health and Rehabilitation. A special thank you to Elisa Parker Stanfield and "CC" Chesnut-Hansley from Hospice who worked with her and cared for her on a weekly basis while she lived at the Rehab facility, along with the other members of Hospice who helped her during her illness.

Visitation will be Monday evening March 17, 2014 from 6:00-7:00pm at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home with a memorial service at 11:30am Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Two very special people, Dr. Frank Hawkins and Mary Margaret Brooks, both from First Baptist Church will conduct the service.

The family appreciates all the visits, the prayers, and encouragement these two individuals gave her during her time at Wilmington Health and Rehabilitation. All the visits, cards, and gifts from the circle members from Cape Fear Presbyterian and First Baptist Church were greatly appreciated as well.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in her memory to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or an organization of your choice.

The staff of Coble Ward-Smith is honored to serve the family of Velma Austin Gaskins.