Velma E. Brown

Velma E. Brown East Leroy Velma E. Brown, 101, passed away Saturday November 6, 2010 at home. She was born on November 10, 1908 in Kent County, MI to Hugh D. and Matie (Fisher) Stout. Velma graduated Valedictorian from Cedar Springs High School in 1926. She received her Life Certificate in Rural Education from Western State Teachers College in 1932. Velma taught for 8 years in one room schools in Kent and Calhoun Counties. She married Leslie H. Brown on July 3, 1934, he preceded her in death on October 3, 1990. Velma was also the secretary and business manager for Brown Sign Service from 1934 to 1970, her husband, Leslie's business. She is survived by a daughter, Arleta R. (Merle) Witzki, of East Leroy, grandchildren, Cynthia (Rick) Teachey, and Cheryl Knapp, both of Lexington, KY; Marcia (John) Adkins, of Versailles, KY; Shawn Witzki, of San Jose, CA; Michelle (Garrett) Tooman, of Battle Creek, great grandchildren, Amanda Knapp, Chelsea (Jon) Hollingsworth and Gavin Tooman, a brother, Raymond H. Stout, of Cedar Springs, MI. Velma was also preceded in death by a son, Patrick S. Brown, brothers, Gerald J., Carl D., and Durward M. (Mike) Stout, sisters, Treva M. Hoven, Beatrice L. Uebele Slusher, Eva A. (Ariel) Thomas and an infant sister Juanita Stout. Velma enjoyed reading, traveling, playing cards, and spending time with family. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8p.m. Thursday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home where funeral services will be held 1p.m. Friday November 12, 2010. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Michigan Commission for the Blind or Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center.