Velma R. Lenoir

ObituaryMy name is Velma Robinson Lenoir Woodward. I was born in Choctaw County in Mississippi on May 12, 1916. All of my 12 brothers and sisters preceded me in death, as did my parents Fannie and Tom Robinson. I was married to Andrew Lenoir and later I married Reverend Woodward, both preceded' me in death. I attended the Kennedy Public School in Choctaw County, and graduated from Mary Nolmes Junior College West Point, Mississippi and Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi. I received Christ as my personal Savior at age 11 and was baptized by Reverend W.O. Adams at Big Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in -Ackerman, Mississippi. I was secretary of the Sunday school, Nome Mission, and Trustee Board Financial Secretary of Big Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. I was also secretary of the Mt. Olive District Congress for more than 30 years and the Vice President and secretary of Mt. Olive District Women's Convention. I taught in the public schools of Clay County for 7 years. I was a Choctaw County Neadstart Teacher for 15 years. In November 1995 due to my failing vision, my daughter, Lee and granddaughter, Alicia moved me to St. Louis. I would stay a month with Gloria and a month with Lee. I united with Dickerson Memorial Community Church shortly after moving to St. Louis. I love Dickerson, Pastor Jeffries and the entire Dickerson family. Under Reverend Jeffries' teaching I learned and grew spiritually. Some things you may not know about me: I love to sing and worship the Lord. I am a twin; my twin sister's name was Thelma. I loved to go to Sunday school and my father and mother took us every Sund~y. When the weather was bad and we could not go to church, we had Sunday school at home. My older sisters and brother formed a singing quartet known as the Robinson Children and people would come from miles around to hear us sing. I loved attending the Singing Conventions where they sang the notes. I successfully completed a millenary course and loved to make and wear hats. I loved to fish, and once caught a 12-pound catfish that was more than 30 inches long. I loved to sew, work in the garden, make quilts, (I made more than 100 quilts) and Share_whatever I had with others, especially the elderly. I love my family and I loved to talk. I shared my stories with whomever would listen (sometimes whether you wanted to hear them or not). I loved to fellowship with family and friends. I loved good food, family meals, especially Sunday dinners and holiday meals I am leaving to cherish my memory: my daughters, Gloria (Roger) Mayes, Belleville, Illinois, and Leandrea Lucas, St. Louis, Missouri; my granddaughtec Alicia (Leesha) Lucas; (my grandson, Thomas Mayes, preceded me in death); my great-grandson, Khiari and Thomas Mayes; cousin Pearlie Mae Miller; special adopted daughter and caregiver Lenora "Ann" Mowell; special lifelong friend, Mr. Lennon McMullen; a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and all of you whose lives I may have touched. ~May God continue to bless and keep you all and remember "if you see you are not going to be sweet. .. then eat some sugar." "God loves you and so do I." .