Rosie Velma Smith

Life ReflectionsRosie Velma (Leeper) Smith was born on April 20, 1930 in Okolona, Arkansas. She was the eldest of six children born to Herman and LuVenia Leeper. Both parents and two siblings, Elmor and Lena, preceded her in death. Velma was educated in Arkansas. She was baptized at an early age and was active in the church choir. She moved to Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 19. In 1952, she came to Robertson, Missouri where she met and married Richard Braselman. Of that union, two daughters and one son were born. Later she adopted her nephew, Henry, and raised him as her own. In 1962, Velma united with First Missionary Baptist Church of Robertson under the leadership of Rev. Robert S. Johnson, Sr. where she remained until her death. She served in many capacities in the church: Deaconess, Pastor's Aide, WMU, and Culinary Ministries. She worked in many restaurants in the St. Louis area. Her last job was with Mid-East Area Agency where she cooked for and served senior citizens for many years. She retired as Head Cook after twenty-one years of service. In 1995, she married Bura C. Smith. They remained married until his death in 2007. After a long illness, Velma departed this life on Monday, December 12, 2016 at the Valley Nursing Home. She leaves to cherish her memory: her children Rose (Vincent) Lieu, Richard (Christine) Braselman, Myra (Johnnie) Williams, Henry Leeper; three sisters Ottie Mae McClellan, Jennie Leeper and Dorothy Leeper; her grandchildren 14-' Alonzo, Telisha, Adrienne, Patrick, Dominique, Henry, Aaron, Nikolai and Joshua; nine great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; she also had a great love for her "special daughters" Dorothy Reid, Monica Colvin, Minnie Cain and Geniece Kincaid; and a very special friend Margaret Butler. Inerment:J.B. National Cemetery2900 SheridanSt. Louis, MO 63125 . Visitation Monday, Dec 19, 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM First M.B. Church of Robertson 356 Woodlawn Hazelwood, MO 63042 Funeral Service Tuesday, Dec 20, 2016 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM First M.B. Church of Robertson 356 Woodlawn Hazelwood, MO 63042