Vella Mae Meadows

Vella Mae Meadows, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully went home to be with the Lord in her home, surrounded by her family, on December 16, 2024, at the age of 69. Born on September 14, 1955, Vella spent her life dedicated to her family. Her kindness, warmth, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

 Vella was a devoted homemaker who poured her heart into creating a nurturing home on “The Ridge”. She was the loving wife of Bill Vest, her partner in life for almost 30 years. Vella raised two daughters, who were the pride and joy of her life. Her deep affection for her family was felt the most by her four grandchildren and her great-grandson. Those who knew her understood she held a special place in her heart for “her” boys.

 Vella’s life was marked by her spunkiness, her unwavering support of those she loved, and her ability to bring laughter and joy to any room she entered. She was the anchor of her family, always ready to lend a listening ear or offer guidance and encouragement, often sharing her insights, even when they weren’t asked for. Her home was a place of warmth, where her loved ones gathered to celebrate the milestones and simple moments of life.

 To Vella, West Virginia was her home. She always treasured those country roads, swearing she never wanted to leave. There was certainly not a moment she didn’t want to be outdoors. She enjoyed fishing at Little Beaver with Ethan, riding the side by side with Papaw, jumping on the trampoline with Asher, or feeding the host of animals that would appear on her back porch.

 In addition to her family, Vella cherished her friendships, and her kindness and generosity touched the lives of many. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her legacy of love, loyalty, and family will continue to live on in the generations she leaves behind.

 Vella is survived by her husband, Bill Vest; her siblings Shirley (Junior) Avis, Lois (Dennis) Ewing, and Danny (Sherri) Weis; her daughters, Cereatha (Kevin) Kinzer and Sandy (Robbie) Smith; her grandchildren, Kateland (Chad) Daniel, Ashley (Logan) Kelly, Halee Morgan (Gray Bowyer) and Ethan Morgan (Allie Logan); and her great-grandson, Asher Daniel, who was her entire world. Her step-grandchildren include Abby Kinzer Dilley, Hannah Kinzer, and Bentley Kinzer. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Rudell Weis; and brothers Robert Weis and Budgie Weis.

 A celebration of Vella’s life will be held on December 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Calfee Funeral Home. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be her grandson Ethan Morgan and nephews, Melvin Avis, George Avis, Rodney Weis, Jackie Weis, Jason Ewing.

 A special thank you is extended to the doctors, especially Dr. Halsey, and the nurses who so gently took care of her during the final days. These included are: Hospice of Southern West Virginia, Raleigh General Hospital, and the CAMC Cancer Center of Beckley. Another special thank you to Pastor Lonnie and Brenda Grear of Stanaford New Beginnings Christian Church, for their spiritual guidance and prayers in her final days. Their kindness and faithfulness were a source of great comfort. Pastor Lonnie Grear will lead her service.

 Vella’s love for her family was her greatest gift, and though she is no longer with us, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.