Velma Ward

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Velma P. Ward, 94, of Advance passed away Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, at Jackson Manor in Jackson.

She was born Nov. 26, 1917, at Dongola, Mo., daughter of Robert Calvin Sr. and Sadie Pearl Sylcox Humphreys.

Velma owned and operated Ward's Store in Advance with her husband. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school many years. She was a past matron of Order of Eastern Star and member of Wednesday Study Club.

Velma and Ivan Ward were married June 9, 1935, in Marble Hill, Mo. He preceded her in death March 2, 1988.

Survivors include a son, Billy Ray (Joy) Ward of Advance; two daughters, Donna Mae (Charles "Speedy") Wagoner and Sondra Kay (Ray) Fulkerson of Cape Girardeau; three brothers, Larry Humphreys of Virginia Beach, Va., Ivan Humphreys of Marble Hill, Charles Humphreys of St. Louis; two sisters, Jean Duniphan of Chaffee, Mo., Rosetta Lingle of St. Louis; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by five brothers, R.C., George, Fred, Clyde and an infant, and two infant sisters.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Morgan Funeral Chapel.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the chapel, with the Rev. Carol Heitman Lucy officiating. Burial will be in Morgan Memorial Park.