VELMA OLIVER-SULLENGER (age 96) left this world peacefully for her Heavenly home on August 8, 2018 at her home in Lemoore, CA. Her passions were God first; then her family and friends. She was a member of the Assembly of God church in Coalinga, where she worked in children’s ministry among various church services; then a member of First Assembly of God church when living in Visalia, CA. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. “The Gal from Oklahoma” some called her told most everyone she met about her love for Jesus and her longing to go to Heaven. Velma’s Godly legacy will live on in our hearts and minds forever.
Velma was born in Welty, Oklahoma in 1921 to George and Mattie Emerson; the fourth born of ten children; three brothers: Frank, Bill, Royce and six sisters: Oleta, Georgia, Novella, Earlene, Ruth and Odessa. Velma and her siblings grew up and worked on their family farm in Oklahoma aside their parents. She attended school through the 8th grade until her Dad needed she and her siblings (pick cotton) to help earn their living. Velma married Raymond Oliver in 1939 and they proceeded to California the day following in the jump seat of a Model T Ford, along with three of their friends. After 36 years of marriage to Ray, he was killed in a tragic work accident in 1975. Some years thereafter Velma worked at Valley Office Systems in Coalinga delivering office supplies to area businesses. Aside from her assigned duties she would clean the store including the restroom always with a song in her heart. Ray and Velma had five children and lived in Coalinga, CA for most of their married life.
Velma was married (15 yrs.) to the second love of her life Irwin E. Sullenger (Butch) in 1992; they lived in Visalia, CA until his passing in 2007. She was step mother to: Charles Sullenger (Debbie), Bill Sullenger (Desi), three step grandchildren: Keelee Sullenger, Erik Sullenger, Kai Sullenger (Jennifer) and 2 step great-grandchildren. During Butch and Velma’s marriage she and her “Butcher Boy” enjoyed travelling in their RV and Cadillac. A fond memory was going to the Grand Ole Opry in Branson, Missouri, among other adventures.
Velma is survived by her sister Odessa St. Cyr (many nieces and nephews) and her four children: Bill Oliver (Cinda), Jerry Oliver (Maryann), Phil Oliver, and Glenda Oliver. Her second born son, Larry Oliver, preceded her in death in 2012. Velma leaves 12 grandchildren: Wendy Mead, Terri Stone (Ray), Darren Oliver (Toni), Carrie Oliver, Kent Oliver (Sherry), Lisa Shearer (Walt), Kim Fries (Rod), Derek Oliver (Kimberly), Lori Owens (Travis), Kahla Sullivan (Rodney), Tyson Davis, and Jon Oliver (Katie); 27 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
The Oliver family would like to appreciate Easy Living Senior Home in Lemoore, CA, Valley Christian Home in Hanford, CA and all the caregivers during Velma’s time at each home. Recent caregivers who so lovingly cared for our mother: Dolores, Kay, Leslie, Heidi, Tara, Krista; thank you all. Additionally, appreciation to Easy Living Manager, Jimmy Daulton, (always so sweet to Velma) and Ronette Daulton, NP and staff at Excellence Medical Group. Last, but not least, appreciation to Sojourn Hospice & Palliative Care.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 31st at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Fellowship Church; 450 W. Elm Ave., Coalinga followed by Burial at Coalinga Cemetery; 40054 Calaveras Ave., then a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. at Harris Ranch Garden Ballroom; 24505 W. Dorris Ave., aka Hwy 198, Coalinga, CA.
Family and Friends are invited to view Velma’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family.
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