Velma Beatrice Jimmerson

Funeral services for Velma Jimmerson, 81, of Tyler are scheduled for 2:00pm, Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at Tyler Tabernacle with Rev. Mike Littlefield officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00pm prior to the service. Burial will be in Whitehouse Cemetery under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.

Velma Beatrice Jimmerson, also known as “Granny” was born in Big Sandy on September 27, 1934, to the late James J. Robertson and Willie Beatrice Robertson.

Velma married her beloved late husband of 63 years, Willie Franklin Jimmerson, on December 12, 1952. She completed her journey on this earth on Friday, April 22, 2016, at Oakbrook Estates in Whitehouse, comfortable and peacefully.

After marrying her life partner in 1952, Velma graduated from Gladewater High School in 1953 and worked at Tot to Teen Children’s Shop, then The Brookshire Brothers until 1966 where she went to work for GE with a 28 year stint, retiring in 1994. During this time, Velma and Willie started their family raising two daughters, Sheron and Debbie. Velma had a passion for the Lord, her grandsons and baking, being especially known for her exceptional sweet potato pies.

After her late husband’s health declined in 1986, Velma became the sole provider for her and Willie. But this did not slow her down from being a faithful member of Tyler Tabernacle, spending countless Sunday mornings worshipping her Lord. Velma loved her grandson’s involvement in sports, spending numerous nights of her week at football and baseball fields throughout East Texas.

She is survived by her two daughters, Debbie Pike of Whitehouse, Sheron Price and husband Sam, of Tyler; two sisters, Willie Ann Bayer of Longview, Mary Ann Sandberg of Longview; grandsons, Hayden Price and wife, Cheryl of Midland, and Peyton Price and fiancée Anna Doan, of Dallas; great-grandchildren, Parker, Blakely, Olivia and Bowen Price; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Also, a special thank you to Monique Manley, Kaci Brown, Barbara Oldham and Emanuel Ward of Heart to Heart Hospice and the numerous nurses and care givers of Heart to Heart Hospice that assisted Velma through her journey along with special friend and roommate, Linda May.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Willie Jimmerson; parents, James J. and Willie Beatrice Robertson; brothers, William Jess Robertson, Cleo Robertson, Roy Robertson, Alvie Robertson, George Robertson, O.B. Robertson, James Robertson, Lake Robertson and Hiram Robertson; sisters, Elsie Benson, Berthal Burgin, Mary Medlin and Mildred Mabe.

Donations may be sent to Tyler Tabernacle, 3115 East Fifth Street, Tyler, 75701 or Heart to Heart Hospice, 7925 S. Broadway Avenue, Suite 1140, Tyler, Texas 75703.