Velma Lee Singleton

Velma Lee Singleton, 96, Palmyra, Mo., passed away at 7:19 p,m,m Monday, June 19, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family at her home in Palmyra.

Velma was born May 26, 1927, in Palmyra, to William A. and Edna Lee Bowles Johnson. She was married to Bernie Dwight Singleton on Oct. 11, 1948. He preceded her in death on Jan. 30, 1988.

Survivors include her children, Marcia Blickhan (Mike), Taylor, Mo.; Gary Singleton (Lenore), Palmyra; Marla Jackson (John), Centralia, Mo.;  Marty Singleton (Lee), Magnolia, Texas; Cary Joe Singleton (Mary), Palmyra; Melody Singleton, Palmyra; and Melinda Edmunds (David), Palmyra; brother, Bill Johnson (Carol Ann), Palmyra; sister, Joan Summers, Palmyra; 20 grandchildren, Michelle Pratt, Lora Hillman, Jennie Carrie, Gretchen Siebert, Marty Dale Jr. Singleton, Lynn Blickhan, Jeremy Jackson, Heather Jackson, Eric Nokes, Libby Singleton, Carissa Boutwell  Deanna Sublette, Darren Nokes, Dan Blickhan, Amanda Corum, Makayla Edmunds, Kinsey Edmunds, Joey Singleton, Davanna Edmunds, Jonathan Edmunds and Casey Baldyga; 36 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 40 years, Bernie D. Singleton; daughter, Monica Nokes; son, Bill Singleton; son-in-law, Bruce Nokes; and sisters, Maybelle Stout and Katie Johnson.

Velma was born and raised in Palmyra. She was a 1946 graduate of Palmyra High School where she excelled in sports. She was a member of the White Sweater Team in high school, with two of her sisters on the team. They were undefeated during her four years of school. 

Her hometown pride extended to most Missouri sports teams, as over the years, she was an avid fan and supporter of the Palmyra Panthers, Cardinals baseball and Mizzou sports. She also enjoyed tennis and track. She could often be found listening on her radio to the local games or following their success in the newspaper. 

When reading the paper she never missed reading her daily horoscope and was excited for her semi-annual Babes on Bradley garage sales. 

Velma liked to observe the squirrels, birds and especially the hummingbirds wandering around the plants and trees in her yard. 

Velma was incredibly talented with a needle and thread, and her sewing projects were simply amazing and of heirloom quality. Over the years, she made hundreds of baby quilts, embroidered hand towels and runners and made broom-stitch afghans, and all were made with love for her family and friends.

As the oldest of five siblings, Velma learned early on the importance of proper care and support of your family, carrying those values over to her own children and grandchildren.  

Her kind, generous and loving spirit led her to always find ways to take care of others. As a family they loved to have Survivor night, eating dinner and all hanging out to watch their favorite show. A yearly girls sleepover was a highlight at grandma’s house. 

Velma loved to play chicken-foot, Mexican rummy and Canasta with the family. She was known for her famous fried chicken on Sunday dinner along with her Texas sheet cake.

Velma was Baptist by faith and a member of First Baptist Church in Palmyra.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 23, at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra. Pastor Dewayne Larenson will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Dan Blickhan, Kurt Hillman, John Sublette, Darren Nokes, Jonathan Edmunds, Josh Corum, Joey Singleton and Steve Siebert.

Honorary pallbearers will be Michelle Pratt, Lora Hillman, Jenny Carrier, Gretchen Siebert, Marty Dale Singleton Jr., Lynn Blickhan, Jeremy Jackson, Heather Jackson, Eric Nokes, Libby Singleton, Carissa Boutwell, Deanna Sublette, Amanda Corum, Makayla Edmunds, Kinsey Edmunds, Deanna Edmunds and Casey Baldyga. 

Memorial may be made to Community Loving Care Hospice. 

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.