Velma Harper

April 1, 1930 - March 21, 2019

Velma Irene Harper, age 88 years, a resident of Metropolis, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 11:50 AM at Southgate Nursing and Rehabilitation in Metropolis. Velma and her twin sister Thelma were born April 1, 1930 in Pulaski County Illinois. the daughters of Willis and Ruby (Bolen) Perkins. Velma was united in marriage to Chesley Ewing Herren on March 1, 1946 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He passed away on January 27, 1975. She was later united in marriage to Claude Harper in 1978. He preceded her in death on May 20, 2013. Survivors include her children- Danny (Bev) Herren of Winter Haven, Florida, Randy (Rita) Herren of Goreville, Mike (Agnes) Herren of Cypress and Sherry (Jeff) Moore of Simpson; 9 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and 3 sisters- Thelma Landis of Alabama; Wilda Eldridge and Mary Riding both of Murphysboro. In addition to her parents and husbands, Velma was preceded in death by- a grandson; 2 brothers- Jessie and Lloyd Perkins and a sister- Lula Mae Fisher. Velma was a homemaker. She enjoyed reading religious and Native American literature. Velma also enjoyed watching and feeding hummingbirds and collecting hummingbird figurines. She and Claude enjoyed many happy winters vacationing with friends in South Padre Island, Texas. Velma also enjoyed flying with Claude in the private plane he owned with friends. Velma was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Vienna. A service honoring the life of Velma Irene Harper will be conducted Sunday, March 24, 2019 at 3 PM at the First Baptist Church, 301 North 7th St., Vienna, Illinois. Pastor Travis Wilson will officiate. Burial will be in the Cypress Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 PM – 3 PM Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Food Pantry Program, PO Box 727, Vienna, IL 62995.