She was born on July 28, 1942, in Sunflower, MS, a small rural town in the Mississippi Delta to Lee Andrew and Lela Mae (Hall) Brooks. She graduated from Gentry High School in Ruleville, MS. She relocated to Chicago, attending Chicago Community Collège. Velma worked for the VA in Chicago for 27 years, retiring in July 1995. Three years later she returned to her native Mississippi. After retirement, Velma worked as a nanny.
She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was an active member in church, taught youth Bible school, and Praise and Worship Team.
Velma, a very kind and gentle soul, had a loving and generous heart and was always giving to others.
She loved watching and listening to religious programs on TV and radio and reading her Bible and Christian literature. She would share her tenacious faith with everyone she encountered. She also enjoyed game shows, puzzles, couponing, and spending time with family and friends.
She was predeceased by her ex-husband, Oliver Van Stringfellow, her parents, and siblings, Bully and L.A. Brooks.
She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her son Darren (Samantha) Stringfellow of Chicago; her daughter Sharon "Shay” Renae (Stringfellow) Buliox of Ridgeland, MS; her siblings Ruby, Faye, Carl, and Joseph; her grandchildren Patrice Stringfellow, Donte' Stringfellow, Darren Stringfellow, Jr., Christina "Chrissey" Rose Buliox, and Xavier Colin Heath; her great-grandchildren, Donte', Damario, Davion, Xavier, and Amarlee; and bonus family members and lifelong friends, the Fergusons--Fred, Mary Helen, Jack, and Selah. Velma, known affectionately as Vee, was Jack and Selah's nanny. The mutual love bond shared over the past 21 years produced many remarkable and precious memories.
She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and loved ones.
A private service of remembrance will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
The Stringfellow, Buliox, Heath, and Ferguson families appreciate the overwhelming outpouring of heartfelt love, prayers encouragement, and support for our precious mother, granny, and "Vee."
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