Velma Ray (Jackson) Arnold

Velma Ray Arnold, 77, was born on June 9, 1947 in Gary, Texas to Joseph and Vivian Jackson. She was the eighth child of fifteen children. She began her education at Pleasant Hill School in the Woods community of Tenaha, Texas; Southside Elementary School; and, later graduated from Turner High School in 1966 in Carthage, Texas.

After attending college in Marshall, Texas, Velma moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1967 where she worked at Children’s Hospital in the Department of Central Supply. Following her position at Children's Hospital, Velma obtained employment with Western Electric which later became known as Lucent Technology where she remained for 33 years, until her retirement. After her retirement she was employed at Neiman Marcus and worked for Jordan Home Health Services as a caregiver.

In 1970, Velma married Charles Raymond Arnold in Columbus, Ohio.

As a child, Velma attended Bright Morning Star Baptist Church where she was baptized and received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior! After her move to Columbus, Ohio, Velma faithfully attended and joined St. John Baptist Church until she moved back to Texas where she attended and joined Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. D.J. Nelson.

Velma Arnold was a lady of many “hats”. She was business savvy, hospitable to all that she met, and an invaluable travel agent who planned and coordinated trips for herself and others. She loved to travel to places both nationally and abroad. She has visited the Bahamas, Europe, and many more places around the globe. Velma loved to entertain and cook for others. She and her baby sister, Jean Webster, provided catering services to East Texas. Velma was acknowledged by Longview News Journal for being the Turnip Green Queen in Easton Texas. She was also on the of Trustees for the Turner Alumni and Ex -Students Association.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents: Jospeh & Vivian Jackson; step-mother: Susie Jackson; step-brother: Jewel McCarthy; step-sisters: Melva Cata and Lorine Gibson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, children in love: Marlon (Kira) Choyce (Grand Prairie, Texas), Keneshia Choyce (Riverside, California), Teneshia (Malachi) Gray (Oak Hills, California) and bonus daughter: Michelle Glamarco -Patterson (Las Vegas, Nevada); eight siblings: Marie Dade (Columbus, Ohio), Dorothy Greer (Giddings, Texas), Kaite Marie (Ulysses) Johnson (Longview, Texas), Mae Gladys (Jeffery) Brooks (Hallsville, Texas), Billie Jean (Charles) Webster (Longview, Texas), Linda Jackson Miller (Columbus, Ohio), Rosie Jackson Smith (Columbus, Ohio), and Genous Jackson, Sr. (Longview, Texas); step-sisters: Debbie (Eric) Taylor (Longview, Texas), Evelyn (Johnny) Williams (Carthage, Texas), Maxine McCarthy (Carthage, Texas), Helen (Dan) Witt (Oklahoma), and Patricia Starling (Longview, Texas); step-brother: Jobie McCarthy (Longview, Texas); very special friend: Clayton Stubblefield (Columbus, Ohio); Joan Flakes Wilson, a FOREVER friend since elementary school; and, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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