Velma Harris

Ms. Velma J. Harris was born on April 8, 1957, in Luxora, Arkansas to the union of Van and Catherine (Bolden) Harris; they preceded her in death. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. The family relocated to South Bend where Velma attended school and graduated from John Adams High School in 1976.

Velma was employed by the former South Bend Stamping Division of Allied Products and later started her career as a Bus Driver for the South Bend Community School Corporation. She was compassionate about the students and expressed love toward them by sharing daily words of encouragement; she offered reassurance and greeted the students with her warm smile and cheerful hello. She loved them and they loved her. In 2007 after 30 years of driving, she retired.

During retirement, Velma was able to spend more time doing the things she loved most: spending time with her sons, her grandchildren, other family members, and close friends. She also enjoyed cooking, playing cards, traveling, going to the Casino, listening to the blues, and hosting dinners and card parties at her home.

On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, a week after her 64th birthday, God sent his angels to take Velma to her eternal resting place; she joined her parents, a son Shamar Stanley; a granddaughter, Harper Rose Stanley; siblings, Thelma Harris, Shelby Davis, Penroy Brown, Robert Harris and Otis Harris; her Godmother, Arthur Mae Barnes; Godfather, L.C. Barnes and a cousin, Effie Whirl. 

Velma leaves to cherish her loving memory a loving son, Martell Harris; a special niece and caregiver, Tina Massey both of South Bend; two grandsons, Shamar Stanley, Jr. of Detroit, Michigan and Xavier Stanley of Birmingham, Alabama; three granddaughters, Aniya Stanley of South Bend, Myana Harris and Tariah Williams of Augusta, Georgia; a sister, Maureen Wilson (and her husband Willie) Spann both of Detroit; a brother, Jimmie (and his wife Freda) Harris; a daughter-in-law, Jessica Stanley of Birmingham; God sisters, Lisa Barnes, Beverly (and her husband Kenny) Dempsey, Annette Powell and Audrey Copeland; Godson, Eric Doaks; a special cousin, Elizabeth Harris; special friend Kevin Six; close friends Annette Jackson, Linda Richie and Ora “Red” Gordon and the family pooch, Chase along with a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Velma’s fun-loving spirit and cheerful laughter will live on in the hearts and memory of those who knew and loved her. Rest on dear Velma; take your rest, although we all love you, God loves you best.

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