Velma Louise Emberlin

Velma was born on January 24, 1929, in Chillicothe, Texas, to William Elven Monroe and Elizabeth Anne Bailey Hill. Although all seven of the Hill children were born in Texas, the family later moved near Tipton, Oklahoma, where Velma attended primary school. As a young woman, she worked alongside her family as a sharecropper on various farms throughout Oklahoma and North Texas.

In 1952, a young Airman named Noble Desmond Emberlin Jr., from Katy, Oklahoma, found himself aboard a ship heading to Korea. There, he met another Okie who told him about a sweet young lady named Velma. He was given her address, and the two began a correspondence that blossomed into a lasting love. After N.D. received his military discharge, he decided to visit Velma. They began dating, and after she had relocated to Dallas, N.D. applied for a job with the Dallas Police Department. They initially planned to marry in Oklahoma, but the couple couldn’t wait. Instead, they went to Rockwall for a marriage license, Dallas for a blood test, a Sanger Harris Department Store for a wedding dress, hat, and gloves, and eloped on May 1, 1954.

Velma's greatest joy in life was her family. She was a loving and devoted mother to her two children, always ensuring their well-being and creating a warm, welcoming home in Pleasant Grove, while N.D. worked as a Dallas police officer, detective, and private investigator. As their children grew and N.D. approached retirement, the couple moved to Seagoville, seeking a quieter life away from the city's bustle. There, their faith flourished as they became active members of the Seagoville Church of Christ.

Velma was a proud homemaker with a special gift for sewing. She crafted all of her family's clothing, from her husband's tailored suits to her children's everyday wear. As her grandchildren arrived, she lovingly made dresses and other clothing for them, passing on her artistic talents. Velma was also a painter, poet, and loved to crochet blankets for her family. She took great care to teach her grandchildren these skills, including the art of hemming and mending. Music was another passion, and she cherished the memories of family gatherings where loved ones would play instruments and sing. Although she was devoted to her husband, Velma had a special affection for Elvis Presley.

Her grandchildren fondly recall how she would eagerly pull out board games and card games whenever they visited. Later in life, after moving to Pegasus Senior Living, Velma could often be found playing bingo with her friends.

Velma is survived by her daughter, Debra Beam; son, Keith Emberlin and wife Sherrill; grandchildren, Brittany Emberlin (Beam) Strain, Heather Rene (Beam) Humphreys and husband Austin, Courtney Celeste (Emberlin) Bryan and husband Matt, Cameron Scott Emberlin and wife Kara, Chelsea Danielle (Emberlin) Wrapp and husband Trey; great-grandchildren, Eden, Emma, and Evan Strain, Hayden and Macy Humphreys, Savannah, Houston, and Brooklyn Bryan, Dacia and August Emberlin, River, Brooks, and Haven Wrapp; her sister, Ruby Mae (Hill) Prescott; and sister-in-law, Delma Hill.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Lizzie Hill; her beloved husband of 58 years, N.D. Emberlin Jr.; and her brothers, William, Don Elvin Floyd, Willie "Gene" Eugene, Wilburn Dennis, and Ivan Wesley Hill.

Velma’s family finds comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her loved ones in heaven, and her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on through all who knew her.