Velma Kellar-Geemes was born on January 12, 1935

in Brownsville, TN to the late Johnny & Leatha Graves. She was the seventh of nine children born to this union. She leaves to cherish two living siblings Betty O’Neal and Frank Graves. Three sisters (Ester, Pearl and Fannie) and three brothers (James, John L. and William) preceded her in death.

Velma accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of St. Peter’s CME in Brownsville, TN.

Velma graduated from Carver High School in Brownsville at the age of 16 and matriculated to Lane College in Jackson, TN. Velma gave birth to two children while residing in Tennessee (Gwendolyn Kaye and Jon Gregory).

Velma relocated to Detroit, Michigan in 1956 to join her parents and seek better opportunities. She was joined in holy matrimony to the late Willie T. Kellar in 1961. To this union their five children, (Charlotte, Angela, Wilma, Roderick, and Jason).

There weren’t too many things that Velma couldn’t do. Bring the mother of 7 children it was essential to know how cook, sew and stretch a dollar. Velma welcomed everyone with opened arms. Velma married Harold Geemes in December 1989 who preceded her in death in 2022. There were no biological children to this union, but because of her living spirit they were foster parents to many.

Ahe has always been supportive of her family. Her culinary skills were second to none. She loved people and willingly gave unselfishly of herself with consistency.

Velma’s health began to decline in 2022. During this time she was surrounded with love by her family and friends. On July 16, 2023, Velma transitioned and was called home to glory. She leaves to cherish her memory, 7 children (Gwendolyn Austin, Jon Richardson (Selena), Charlotte Smiley, Angela Kellar, Wilma Kellar-Darty, Roderick Kellar (Kennesha) and Jason Kellar. 17 grandchildren, Rodnell Richardson, Miki Austin, Delmore Austin, Nicole Richardson, Nicole Wright, Kevin Kellar, Ashley Richardson, Edward Kellar (preceded her in death) Robert Colbert, Cassandra Porch (Jeffrey), DeMario Kellar, Jonathan Womack (Archemee), Erica Kellar, Willie Wilson, Velnicia Darty, Gwendolyn Williams, 45 great grandchildren, 24 great -great grandchildren and a nieces, nephews and friends, including her very close friend Gwendolyn Johns.

A PRECIOUS ONE FROM US HAS GONE

A VOICE WE LOVED IS STILL

A PLACE IS VACANT IN OUR HEARTS

WHICH NEVER CAN BE FILLED

AFTER A LONELY HEARTACHE AND MANY SILENT TEARS

WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES OF ONE WE LOVE SO DEAR.