Velma Yvonne Brashers

Funeral service for Velma Yvonne Brashers will be 11 a.m., Tues., Aug. 9, at First Baptist Church of Chelsea with Pastor Jay McAlister officiating. Burial will follow at Chelsea Cemetery under the direction of Chelsea Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Mon. 1-8 p.m.

Velma passed away Thurs., Aug. 4, 2016, at Claremore Nursing Home at the age of 89.

The daughter of Mack H. Merrill and Grace Virginia (Wilden) Merrill was born Sept. 19, 1926, in Sequoyah County. On Feb. 14, 1950, she married Jesse James Brashers in Shawnee. They lived and traveled all over the world while Jesse served in the Air Force. They eventually made their home in Chelsea where they remained.

Velma loved entertaining her friends and family. She was always willing to put together a party or event. She was a member of the Delphian Book Club; and the First Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher and prayer coordinator. Velma loved her country, was very patriotic, and a dedicated Republican. She was a member of the American Legion, and the American Red Cross for 50 years. She enjoyed bird watching, reading, gardening, and cherished the time spent with her great-grandchildren. Velma was a talented seamstress making many of her own clothes. Velma and Jesse also enjoyed traveling.

Velma is preceded in death by her husband, Col. Jesse James Brashers; son, Jesse James Brashers, Jr.; grandson, Michael Edward Brashers; her parents; and sister, Elzie Hodge.

She is survived by her son, Charles Mack Edward Brashers of Broken Arrow; grandsons: Charles W. Brashers and wife, Holly of Sherwood, AR, Christopher L. Brashers of Chelsea, and Patrick E. Brashers and wife, Erin of Chelsea; great-grandchildren: Noah, Nathan, Jacob, and Acadia Brashers; sisters: Maxine Woodruff of Ft. Smith, AR, and Billie Calloway of Broken Arrow; and brothers: Kenneth Merrill and Shelby Merrill both of Sallisaw.