Velma Grace Lerma

On Tuesday (Oct. 17th), our sweet Velma Grace Lerma went home to be with the Lord.

She was born on Aug. 5, 1936 in Clearville, PA. She was one of 7 children born to Lester and Mamie Glady Leasure. She lived her younger years between Bedford County, PA and Hancock, MD. In 1954, she married Pedro Velez-Noble who was in the Army. Together they had five sons and two daughters. Joe, their first-born was born in PA. The next 2 children, Yvonne and Anthony (Tony) were born in Monterey, CA. Their 4th child, Howard was born in France, where they were stationed with the Army. The 5th - 7th children, Mamie, Bobby and Michael were all born in Oxnard, CA. Velma later married Victor Lerma. Velma lived the rest of her years in Oxnard (El Rio) and some time more recently in Oak View, CA.

Velma spent much of her adult years raising the 7 children as well as some grandchildren. Later, she worked for about 20 years for the County of Ventura in Senior Food Services and other jobs.

Velma was a woman full of love and caring for others with a smile on her face. She took pride in her appearance and would always have her hair fixed nice. She had a strong faith in God. She enjoyed spending time with her big family and friends. She took in her aged parents during their last years taking care of them. She enjoyed crocheting, watching true crime stories, and collecting wooden shoes. She probably had 50 pairs of wooden shoes which were displayed in her living room.

Velma is survived by 3 sons: Tony Velez-Noble (wife Rebecca) of Oak View, CA, Howard and Bobby Velez-Noble of Oxnard, CA, 2 daughters: Yvonne Bratcher of Egypt and Mamaie Velez-Noble of Oxnard, CA, 15 grandchildren, multiple great grandchildren, sister, Edith Smith of Newcastle, WY, brother, Paul Leasure of Ojai, CA, brother, Lester (Leroy) Leasure of Hornbeck, LA and multiple nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Lerma, her sons, Joe and Michael Velez-Noble and 3 grandchildren.