Velkis Orieta McCulley-Matthews

Velkis Orieta McCulley Matthews, 65, formerly of Pueblo, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in Denver, CO surrounded by her beloved family after a courageous eight-month battle with cancer. Through her battle, she was known as "Victorious Velkis."

Born on June 28, 1960, in Panama City, Republic of Panama, Velkis was the first daughter of Charles W. McCulley and Petra Gonzalez de McCulley, both of whom preceded her in death, along with her grandparents Clint and Juanita Morris, Sonny McCully, Juan B. Murillo, and Juana Heredia Gonzalez.

In 1967, Velkis and her family came to the United States, initially settling in Pocatello, Idaho, before making their home in Pueblo, Colorado. She was educated in Pueblo's District 60 schools, attending Bessemer Elementary and Keating Junior High, and graduated from Pueblo Central High School in 1978-forever proud to be a Wildcat. She went on to earn a degree in Mass Communications from the University of Southern Colorado, where she made her mark as Homecoming Queen and as the beloved campus radio personality known as "Chris James."

Velkis had a deep passion for music-especially vinyl-and her joyful spirit could often be found singing and dancing along to her favorite tunes especially when New Edition or Boyz II Men were in town. She loved attending community events like the Bell Game and the Chile & Frijoles Festival, especially alongside her mother and siblings. Her "Comadres" held a special place in her heart, and she cherished their annual dinners. She was proud of her Panamanian roots, and enjoyed traveling back to visit family.

Velkis met the love of her life, Gregory Matthews, in 1991 at Club Hype in San Diego, California. They were married on June 2nd , 1995, and recently celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary. Together for 34 years, they shared a life full of laughter and dedicated every moment to one another. Greg fondly remembers their shared passion for attending the Winter Park Jazz Festival, planting flowers, and their self-care days which included Velkis cutting his hair into funny designs and him giving her pedicures. He often said the best parts of him came from Velkis, and she made him the man he is today.

Above all, Velkis was a proud and loving mother; her children were her greatest joy, and her love for them knew no bounds. She passed down her love of sneakers and DJ skills to her son, DJ Giovanni, who is also a notable health coach. She shared her passion for sports with her daughter, Leilani, cheering all their favorite sports on together, and most of all cheering Leilani on in her sporting activities; and was the biggest supporter and fan of her daughter Yael's singing career. Velkis's happy place was being surrounded by her family, including her dogs Baku, Ami, Cassius, Kato, and her grand-dog Churro Concolón .

She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Greg Matthews; her children, Giovanni Robinson, Yanelle Leilani Robinson, and Yael Matthews; her stepson, Leshaun (Stacy) Matthews; her goddaughter, Yane Shine Song, and grandchildren, Anthony Gabriel and Joselyn Matthews.

Velkis's memory will be forever treasured by her six siblings: Franklin O. McCulley, Joseph DaCosta McCulley, Juanita "Chi Chi" (Jerry) McCulley-Santos, Yanera (Donnie) McCulley-Sedillo, Tamisha McCulley, and Little Joseph F. McCulley; her sister-in-law, Bobbi DaCosta; nephews and nieces, Charles (Somerly) DaCosta, Zolanye (Andy) McCulley-Bachicha, Ty McCulley, Ashley Trujillo, Charles McCulley-Sedillo, Niko McCulley, Royal Saiz-McCulley, Sophia Hunyadi-McCulley, Catalina DaCosta; great-nephews Yasiel and Yamilo McCulley-Bachicha.

She will also be missed by her loyal dog, Kato James Matthews, her family in the Republic of Panama, her lifelong "Comadres," and the many friends and loved ones whose lives she touched with her warmth, humor, and boundless love.

Velkis Orieta McCulley Matthews leaves behind a legacy of joy, resilience, and compassion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation, Thurs., 10 am-1pm, September 4, 2025 at The Angelus Chapel-Pueblo and 2 pm-7 pm The Angelus Chapel-Colorado Springs. Funeral Mass, 10 am, Fri., September 5, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral Mass, 10 am, Fri., Sept. 5, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Online condolences at www.angeluspueblo.com