Obituary of Velma Mae Shockley

Velma M. Shockley, affectionately known as “Lil Sis,” “Mother Shockley” and “Grandma,” was born January 27, 1938, in Yazoo County, Mississippi, to the late John Brown and the late Mae Bell Gipson. She was the total embodiment of love, grace, strength, courage, boldness, faith, respect and family. She dedicated her life to the betterment and the fulfillment of others. Her livelihood was spent building, uniting, and loving her family and friends. She is most famously known for her candor, wit, wisdom, and willingness to instill spiritual values. After relocating to Cleveland, OH in 1962 in the pursuit of a better life for her family, she found gainful employment, married the love of her life, joined Jeremiah Baptist Church and raised six girls. As a community activist for over 20 years, she became a precinct judge and was awarded the key to the City of Cleveland by Mayor Frank Jackson. At the age of 60, Velma decided to pursue a modeling career where she was an accomplished fashion, print and catalog model. One of her assignments resulted in her picture on an American Greeting Card which was sold worldwide. In her late 60s, she became a successful entrepreneur in the pie business… her sweet potato pies were sold in several grocery stores in Cleveland Ohio. Velma enjoyed life, reading the bible, exercising, cooking, traveling, meeting people and the arts. Velma was preceded in death by her parents, John Brown and Mae Bell Gipson; sister, Willie Mae Howell; sister, Jeraldine Henry; brother, Johnnie German; and daughter, Henrietta Williams. Velma leaves to cherish her memory, five daughters Evelyn Williams of Houston TX, Alicia Shockley of Cleveland, OH, Tamu Shockley of Cleveland OH, Velma J. (Bill) Shockley-Pines of Houston TX, and Crystal Shockley of Houston TX; one brother, Mansell B. Boyd; ten grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a niece and nephew; a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends. The homegoing celebration for Velma will be held on Monday, October 13, 2014 at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. The visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Houston Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Pearland, Texas.