Velma James

Velma L. James, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, April 14, 2013, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Nov. 23, 1919, in Campbell, Mo., to Andrew J. and Minnie Pearl Williams Harris. She and Allen Elton James were married Jan. 21, 1939, in Campbell. He died June 23, 1957.

Velma was an honor student in all her educational pursuits and worked in institutions of education for more than 50 years, retiring from Southeast Missouri State University in 1981.

She held a lifetime membership in the National Association of Office Personnel, held various offices in the local chapter of professional secretaries, was a retired member of Missouri State Teachers Association and was a longtime member of Southeast Hospital Auxiliary.

She was a faithful member of First Baptist churches in Cape Girardeau, Campbell and Clarkton, Mo.

Survivors include a son, Larry O. (Linda) James of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Lynda F. (Dr. Eddie Blick) of Ruston, La.; a granddaughter, Sandra (Dr. Michael Imburgia) of Louisville, Ky.; three great-grandchildren, Ashley, Michael and Melissa Imburgia; and a sister, Dorothy Pattengill of Cape Girardeau.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers and five sisters.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mike Shupert officiating. Burial will be at 1 p.m. in Oak Grove Cemetery at Clarkton.

The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be given to one's church or charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.