Velma Jean Wilcox

In loving memory of longtime resident Velma Jean "Jeannie" Wilcox, 86, who passed away February 14, 2018, at her home, in Las Vegas. She was known to her family and many friends as a kind, generous and helpful person who enjoyed cooking for family gatherings (especially Sunday dinners), long talks with her sister, Mary, traveling with friends and cheering for her favorite teams, according to her daughter, Julie Wilcox. "She loved all sports, but tennis was her favorite, often rising at all hours to watch her favorites Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal," Wilcox said. "She especially loved being with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other family members and friends at home or spending many happy hours exploring all parts of Las Vegas." Born April 22, 1931, to Hazel Fitz and Ralph Marken, in Hampton, Iowa, Jeannie married Billie Eugene Wilcox in 1951. Bill joined the U.S. Navy and they traveled around the world for the next 20 years. The couple had two children, Julie Anne Wilcox (married to Ronald Slay) and Lisa Anne (married to David Murphy). Jeannie's husband preceded her in death in 1992. After 40 years of no contact, Jeannie was reunited with high school friend, Edwin "Eddie" Holm of Lincoln, Nebraska. They shared 25 years of happiness, traveling and enjoying family, friends and cheering on Nebraska football at their favorite sports bar. Jeannie had a long career in local banking, starting at First Interstate Bank in 1972 and retiring after 20 years from Wells Fargo corporate offices, where she made many longtime friends. She also became friends with employees at Arizona Charlie's, where she enjoyed the restaurants and playing the slot machines. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Alvin and Gerald Marken. In addition to her children, she is survived by grandsons, Joel "Bubba" Murphy of Las Vegas, and Joshua Murphy of Tujunga, California; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Mila Murphy; as well as Joshua's fiancé, Cassie, and her daughter, Riley. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Potter, and her husband, Warren; sisters-in-law, June and Clemie Marken; and many nieces and nephews, including her favorite nephew, Stephen Potter of Las Vegas. Jeannie's happy and outgoing presence will be missed by her family and friends and also by Julie's four-legged babies, Curly Bear and Gigi Girl, who loved cuddling with her. Family and friends will gather to share memories and celebrate the life of Jeannie Wilcox 3-7 p.m. Friday, March 9, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. March 9. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Kayrene Brothers Memorial Fund at Springs Preserve for support of girls and women and STEAM education programs.