Velma Delois (Murray) (Johnson) Jackson

Velma DeLois Murray Johnson Jackson was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, on August 29, 1935. She was the first born child of Manual Tess and Nancy Lee Poindexter Murray. On Monday, June 20, 2011, Velma was called from labor to reward at 1:32 pm from the Regency Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Velma graduated from the Mississippi school system and she then traveled to the great state of California where she attended City College, majoring in Business. While in California, Velma met and married the late Richard W. Johnson, Sr. and to that union two beautiful children were born, Ricky and Valerie. After leaving California, Velma moved to Columbus where two of her siblings had come to settle. After her arrival in Columbus, she met and married the late William Buddy Jackson, Sr. and to that union was born the baby of the family, Stephanie. Velma was employed at the Southside Settlement house for 27 years as the Financial Director under the directorship of Barbara Stovall and Mari Sunami. They worked hand in hand together to build the settlement house into a thriving place that through long hours and devotion did remarkable things to help rebuild the Southside community. At an early age, Velma accepted Christ at the family church, St. James Baptist Church, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. She later reaffirmed her relationship with Christ at the Southfield Community Baptist Church where she was a longtime faithful member and actively served until her illness kept her from serving as she would have liked. She served as the Secretary of the Woman's Department, a member of the Woman Missionary Group, the Senior Mime Team and recently she was installed on the Mothers’ Board. One of Velma's loves was shopping and the other was watching “Wheel of Fortune.” You knew better than to call at 7:00 pm because she had to watch her favorite game show. Velma enjoyed bowling and traveling before her health failed her. Velma is preceded in death by both her parents. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving devoted children, Richard W. (Mildred) Johnson Jr., Valerie (Raymond Sr.) Pugh, and Stephanie (Timothy) Price; grandchildren, Tiffany (Roberto Sr.) Anderson, Aaron Pugh, Taylor Price, Sierra Price, Raymond R. Pugh Jr. and Johron I. W. Johnson; great grandchildren, Roberto “Jr.”, Roneisha, Romaceo, Arianna and Austin Anderson; brothers George (Ophelia) Murray Sr. and Thomas (Jean) Murray of Hazlehurst, MS; sister Bernita Gatewood; lifelong friend Alma Mims (they even share the same birthday), several very special friends, a loving and devoted church family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.