Velma Dykes Forman

Velma Dykes Forman, 96, of Magnolia peacefully completed her life's journey on July 22, 2024 shortly after leaving her home place of 70 years due to illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 11, 1927 in Pike County to Henry Pearl Dykes and Hettie Bullock Dykes. She was the fourth of five close-knit siblings.
She was married to her one true love and doting partner, Joe Forman, for 50 years before his death in 1998. Their marriage was blessed with four children (all redheads)! In the early years, the children were often flanked by their many young cousins. This energetic crew (each beloved by Velma), adored pets, and a large array of farm animals ensured her an exciting life as well as special memories due to their ongoing antics. She and Joe were known for a slew of their own high-jinks. Driving from Kentwood with a nervous calf ensconced in the back seat of their compact car was just one of dozens of examples. As her anticipated grandbabies began to arrive she delighted in them all. They, in turn, loved her and considered her an amazing role model.
Velma graduated from Progress High School and McComb Beauty School. She was a beautician for a time then was employed as a dental receptionist for a total of 21 years in Magnolia and Summit. She also worked together with Joe raising beef cattle for over 40 years. In "retirement" she and Joe erected commercial greenhouses on their property. They had great success growing tomatoes in them using hydroponic means.
Velma was a member of the Magnolia Church of the Nazarene. A woman of faith, she treasured her Christian allies there and prized her many years of fellowship with them.
Happy at her country home, she was proud that Joe, who was renowned as a top-notch brick mason, aided in its build by doing some of the tasks him- self or by supervising others as it was being built. This labor of love included their sons and eventually, with the completion of the exterior brickwork, even their grandsons.
Although tiny she was strong. She was a true inspiration to others when she bravely dealt with cancer and its effects at 59. Always self-reliant she liked to do her own yardwork, cooking, shopping, and more well into her nineties. Her flair at preparing great Southern fare guaranteed desserts and sweet tea that were welcomed at a myriad of events and pot roasts and cornbread dressing that were hands down family favorites. She enjoyed time spent at any and all gatherings including recitals, parties, playing UNO, eating out (and in), or even just porch sitting with kin and friends. It also gave her joy to give them loving cards to brighten their day.
In her lifetime she was dubbed with several fond titles including "Little Mam Maw, "Little Maw Maw," and "Aunt Vee". She was greatly endeared and will be sorely missed.
Preceding her in death were her parents; beloved spouse; siblings Elsie Love, Doris Lenoir, H.P. Dykes, and Glen Dykes: and daughter-in-laws Edy Forman, and Alisa Forman. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kay Williams (Mike), Van Forman, Janet Welch (Harold), and John Forman; grandchildren, Scott Williams, Shelley Davis (John), Kristy Warren (Danny), Drew Welch, (Jeri) Ben Welch (Kristin), Elizabeth Forman Kapler, and Kelly Forman (Courtney); Also left to cherish her memory are a host of beloved great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Hartman Jones Funeral Home from 12:00 PM until services at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in Magnolia cemetery. Dr. David Millican will officiate.