Velma Lowery Billings

Velma Billings, age 97, passed away on February 2, 2026. She passed into eternal life peacefully and surrounded by family. For the past three years, Velma served as "president" of Covington Care/Covington Post Acute. The family is deeply grateful for their kindness and care, as well as that of Gentiva Hospice.

Velma was born in 1928, to Claude B. and Nettie Stribling Thompson, of Covington, Tn. She was the youngest of eight siblings and graduate of Byars Hall High School, class of 1947. Velma married Erb Lowery, who preceded her in death. Later Velma married Holloway Billings, who also preceded her in death.

Community and family were deeply important to Velma. She maintained many friendships, hosting prayer meetings in her home and eventually in the community center at Fox Hollow Community. She was a tireless encourager who loved to care for those in need. A gifted cook and baker, she nourished the bodies and spirits of friends and family at every opportunity. In recent years she walked through the halls of the nursing home checking on other residents and encouraging the staff.

Velma retired from work as a clerk at Ben Franklin's, a bookkeeper at Covington Motor Company, and then at Jack Hall Enterprises. Over 97 years in Covington, she made a church home at Covington First Baptist Church, Garland Baptist Church, Leigh's Chapel United Methodist Church and Covington Evangelical Church.

Velma is preceded in death by both her late husbands; Erb C. Lowery and Holloway Billings, parents; Claude B. and Nettie S. Thompson, one daughter; Jane L. Ward, one son in law; Chuck Overton, stepchildren; John T. Billings and Phillip (Kathy) Billings, three brothers; Homer, J.B. and Edward Thompson, four sisters; Geneva Selph, Virginia Meyer, Mary Francis Sanders, and Rubye Crowder.

Velma is survived by one daughter; Ann L. Overton, one daughter in law; June Billings, one son in law; Jim Ward, grandchildren; Charlie (Melanie) Overton, Joli Smith, Shawn Greene, Holli (Hunter) Rose, and Heath (Mandy) Billings, great-grandchildren; Anna Overton, Dustin Fowler, Dillon (Hollie) Koonce, Autumn Garcia, Kelsey (Austin) Smith, Katelyn Greene, Korey Greene, Brinley Wilkins, Huntley Rose, Kathleen Rose, Maddie Rose, and Aubrey Billings, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.