Velma (Alford) Thomas

January 23, 2021

On October 8, 1926 in Taylortown, NC, Velma Alford Thomas was born, the youngest of 13 children to the late Percy Henry & Minnie Lee Cotton Alford. Upon the death of their mother in 1945, Velma and several siblings relocated to Syracuse, New York reuniting with two of their older sisters and immediately joined Hopps Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, despite being reared in the Baptist tradition. Shortly thereafter, Velma met John Edward Thomas at a church outing and they later married in 1947. God blessed their union with 3 daughters: Marie, Cheyenne, and Carolyn. Faith, love, patience, generosity, hard work, family, and fun characterized Velma's life. Having only completed the 8th grade before migrating north, she earned a high school diploma from Central Technical High School in 1970. From 1964-1993 she was employed at the Veterans Administration Hospital, receiving numerous commendations during her tenure and retiring with a year of sick-leave. However, Ms. Thomas was not all work and no play. On the contrary, she enjoyed hosting social gatherings in her home and was an avid globetrotter. Among her international travels were Caracas, Venezuela, the Bahamas, London, England, Mallorca, Spain, Dakar, Senegal, and Tel-Aviv, Israel. Velma gave her life to Christ at age 14 and for the next 80 years she matured in God's grace. Her love for the Church was a hallmark of that grace. Throughout her 75-year discipleship at Hopps Memorial, Velma remained devoted to God's vineyard laboring in various capacities including having founded the original Flower Club in 1959 and serving as its first president until 1969 and founding the Pastor's Aid Society. In addition, Ms. Thomas served as a Class Leader, member of the Lay Council, and a Stewardess for over 50 years. Velma A. Thomas was predeceased by two daughters, Marie Thomas and Cheyenne Dawson, 12 siblings, and 3 great-grandchildren. Velma is survived by 1 daughter, Carolyn Thomas of Syracuse, New York, 7 Grandchildren, Tamara Denise Thomas, Carnell Haynes, Velma Annette Hill (George), Sherrell Haynes, John Edward Thomas II (Bernadine), Larry Darnell Smith and Tasha Virgo; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Calling hour: Wed. February 3rd from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hopps Memorial, 1110 S. State Street, Syracuse. Homegoing service: 12 p.m. at the church. Rev. Bruce Burns officiating. Committal and Interment: Taylortown, NC, Rev. Kevin A. Brown II, officiating. Services entrusted to FARONE & SON, Inc. Topic: Home-going service Velma Thomas Time: Feb 3, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94420289443?pwd=cmNjN1kwRTJSYTkwRlJYWktJMlk3Zz09 Meeting ID: 944 2028 9443 Passcode: 020321 One tap mobile +16465588656,,94420289443#,,,,*020321# US (New York) +13126266799,,94420289443#,,,,*020321# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 944 2028 9443 Passcode: 020321 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acoCDkGiZz