Velma Lucille Stevens

Velma Lucille Stevens, 84, passed away Sunday, December 2, 2012, at a local medical center in Abilene. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory, with Weldon Gann and Ryan Goodwin officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory Street, Abilene. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Velma was born June 10, 1928 to John Henry James and Lillie Cinderella James in Normangee, Texas. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ. Velma also honored her wedding vows by lovingly devoting 23 years of special care to her husband of 40 years, A.J. Stevens.

Preceding her in death were her husband, A.J. Stevens; a daughter, Jeanie Lurene Stevens; sisters, Essie Sellers, Rosalee Brewer, Imogene Price; and brothers, Marvin James, Willie James, Jimmy James, and Dwight James.

Survivors include her sons, Gary Stevens and wife, Sylvia of Hamby, TX and Jay Stevens and wife, Carla of Abilene; her daughters, Patricia Rodriguez and husband, Gilbert of Dallas, TX and Kathy Conway and husband, Larry of Eula, TX; brothers-in-law, Pete Jordan of Hawley, TX and Dock Price of Bedias, TX; sister, Lorene Carter and husband, Alton of Lamesa, TX; and sisters-in-law, Iva Townzen and husband, B.F. of Hawley, TX, Audrey James of Mt. Pleasant, and Maxine Stevens of Hodges, TX; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many other friends and relatives.