Velma Leora Williams of St. James, Mo. passed away at the Cuba Manor Care in Cuba, Mo. on Monday, May 5, 2014. Velma Williams was 96 years and 7 days of age.

Velma Williams was born on April 28, 1918 in Rolla, Mo. to her parents: James Lloyd and Ethel E. Cox Riley. Velma Riley was united in marriage to William Walter (Bill) Williams on May 14, 1938 in Steelville, Mo.

Velma Williams was a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church of Rolla, Mo. She accepted Christ at an early age. Velma was baptized at the age of 13 in a river north of Rolla. She always attended Sunday School and served as S.S. Secretary during her teen years. Velma Williams helped her dad on the farm until age 16. She worked at private homes until she was married. Then she was a housewife and helped on the farm until their children were older before entering the work force. Those years were spent at the Jacket Factory in St. James for many years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother! Velma loved to work in her flowers and her vegetable garden. She loved being outside. She worked for many years at the California Manufacturing Company in St. James until she retired to go enjoy her gardens. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Velma Williams is survived by one daughter: Audrey Swaim and husband Darrell of Vichy, Mo.; two sons: Kenny Williams and wife Debbie of St. James, and Melvin Williams and wife Linda of St. James.; one brother: Lloyd Riley and wife Doris of St. James and one sister: Flora Mae Otis of Rolla, Mo. Velma is also survived by 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. Velma had a host of nieces and nephews plus many lifetime friends.

Preceding Velma Williams in death is her husband: William W. (Bill) Williams, her parents: James Lloyd and Ethel Riley, one brother: Cecil E. Riley and one sister: Loretta Riley Scott and one brother-in-law: Raymond Otis.

Services
Visitation for Velma Williams will be on Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.

Funeral services for Velma Williams will be conducted on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 1 P.M. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo. with Pastor Douglas Williams officiating. Songs will be Precious Memories sang by Corey Williams and When They Ring Those Golden Bells san by Linda Williams, accompanist will be Allison Satterfield. Pallbearers will be: Stacy Johns, Corey Williams, Matt Williams, Christopher Wirz, Derek Johns, and Zachary Williams. Burial will be in the family plot in the High Gate Baptist Church Cemetery in rural St. James, Mo.

Memorials may be given to the Phelps Regional Hospice.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.