Velma Lois Bishop Fitzgerald, age 88, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021. Velma was born the daughter of Mildred (Hall) Bishop and Adrian James Bishop, on October 26, 1932, in Emmett, Michigan. She graduated from Rochester High School, class of 1951. Velma married Don Fitzgerald on October 4, 1958, in Rochester, Michigan, and they raised their family in Rochester Hills. Velma worked for the A&P Grocery store prior to their marriage and then focused on her family. Velma enjoyed gardening and crocheting. Velma was a member of First Baptist Church of Troy since 1965. She loved God, her family, the church, and her friends. More than anything else, she loved being surrounded by her family. Velma always found a way to help others. She was a hard-working, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Velma is survived by her children: Glenn (Patty) Fitzgerald, Velma (Ron) Walraven, Deanna (James) Brammer, and Philip (Lisa) Fitzgerald; daughter-in-law, Dee Fitzgerald; grandchildren Douglas (Becca) and Kellyn Fitzgerald; Kathryn Hayworth and Wayne (Rylee) Fitzgerald; Jordan, Matthew (Olivia), Sydney, and Taylor Walraven; Troy (Tiffany) and Haley Brammer (Evan); and Kevin (Jessica), Emily, Maddie, and Joe Fitzgerald; great-grandchildren Charlotte, Layla, Laramie, Jaimes, Austin, and Samantha; and siblings Eliza, Elwin, Wendell, Paul, and Leatha Bishop. Velma was predeceased by her husband, Don Fitzgerald; parents; son, Wayne Fitzgerald; and siblings, Adrian, Irene, Wilbur, Gilbert, Shirley, Roy, Dale, Howard, and Philip Bishop.
Velma’s family invites all to the service on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at First Baptist Church of Troy, located at 2601 John R. Rd., in Troy, Michigan. Mrs. Fitzgerald will lie in state from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at noon. Extended family is invited to a private visitation at 10:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made in Velma’s honor to First Baptist Church of Troy (Timothy Fund) or First Baptist Church of Washington (Internship Fund). Envelopes will be available at the service.
