Remembering Our Mother
Velma T. Stanford was born August 15, 1941, to the late Earle and Vera Lee Bogan. She was a fun-loving, inspirational, encouraging, nononsense, straightforward woman who had a zest and zeal for life. She transitioned to her heavenly home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Methodist University Hospital. She was surrounded by love.
Her life’s journey led her to Christ at an early age when she joined First Baptist Church - Chelsea. A consummate orator in her formidable years, she would often be asked to speak in church a soliloquy entitled, “The Judgment”. Educated in the Memphis City Schools system, she attended Booker T. Washington High School, Tennessee State University, and LeMoyne College, where she was notably recognized as one of “the Bogan girls” - siblings who were known for their scholastic achievements and stunning beauty. A hard worker, Velma held a number of administrative positions over the years, where she worked for companies ranging from Medical Associates, Dr. Otis Strong, and as Executive Assistant for Dodge’s Stores, Inc. in her latter years. Velma was a strong, beautiful and loving mother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ruben Rhodes, and two sisters: Marjorie Moore and Earline Drake-Bell. To mourn her passing, she leaves the three loves of her life - her sons: Anthony E. Turner, Kevin D. Turner, and Bryant Todd Turner; a doting and loving sister, Vera L. Mays; her two grandchildren: Brandon Todd Newsom and Jasmine Turner; her godson, Lee Merriweather, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Order of Service Y
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thessalonians 5:18, KJV) Procession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Velma T. Stanford Brennon Johnson, Soloist Scripture & Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elder Curtis Leaks Second Chance Ministries Song of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roderick Drake Reflections of My Dear Sister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vera Lee Mays “My Mama”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anthony E. Turner Song of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carla Tolbert Taylor Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apostle Benjamin L. Smith Miracle Temple Ministries Closing Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Y On this day, as we celebrate her life and legacy, let us remember that her pain and suffering is no more. The life she lived was to the fullest, and she grabbed every inch of it. Velma’s body has returned to where it began, in the arms of Jesus! She fought a good fight, and she completed her course. Well done, Mama...well done!
Acknowledgment
The family of Velma T. Stanford would like to take this opportunity to expresses our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the love and generosity shown to us during this difficult season in our lives. We have been overwhelmingly blessed and we are truly grateful. Special thanks to Dr. Benjamin L. Smith and Miracle Temple Ministries, Pastor Curtis Leaks and Second Chance Fellowship, her caregivers, the staff of Methodist University Hospital, Amedisys Hospice Care, Lisa Merritt, and Almeta Bolden.
Roderick E. Drake Clifton E. Drake
Pallbearers Lee H. Mays II Lee Merriweather
Carlos Turner Mel Bryant
Interment
West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road Memphis, TN 38125
Services Entrusted To R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home 374 South Vance Memphis, Tennessee 38126 (901) 526-3264