Velma Dewdney

Velma Dewdney was born in Jamaica on January 8, 1922.  She was a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother.  Velma was blessed to see 103 years and in her words “I was put on this Earth to make people happy.” 

From an early age Velma displayed the signs that she was a caring person.  When her younger brother was born, she left school to help her mother, who had to work, raise him.  In spite of leaving school at such an early age, Velma was very knowledgeable, smart, witty and up to date with current events. She loved sports and could debate you on many topics and be the winner in those conversations. 

Early in her marriage Velma adopted a baby girl who she cared for and raised together with her own children until the girl was reunited with her birth mother at 10 years old.  The girl had such affection for Velma and her family that she remained in close contact with them into adulthood and visited when she could.  

Velma was a resident of Mount Vernon, NY for over 50 years and lived with her daughter and her family.  Velma loved plants and flowers and spent much of her time gardening.  Her favorite color was yellow and her favorite flowers were roses.  You can still see the flowers she planted years ago growing today.

Velma was very family oriented and spent her life raising many generations.  Velma treasured and was overjoyed by any and all communication from her family and loved ones.  Since her arthritis hindered her from traveling she relied on letters, visits, phone calls and with new technology, FaceTime to keep in touch with family and friends.  

Velma was a wonderful cook and prepared meals for large family gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas which was a special time of year when her youngest daughter and son from Canada would often visit.  She knew what every persons’ favorite foods were.  Velma cooked for the family all the way into her 90’s when she was no longer able to stand due to arthritis.

Velma was a person of deep faith and loved attending church and reading the Bible.  You could often find her singing a hymn, quoting scripture, listening to religious programs on the radio and television.  In fact, before she sent her grandchildren to school each morning, she would stop them at the door.  She would place her hand on their forehead and say “Anoint this child from the crown of their head to the sole of their feet.”  Velma passed on her faith to her eldest daughter who became a minister and was therefore able to comfort Velma with scripture and song in her final days.

Velma had an exceptional memory which she never lost and loved to tell stories about her childhood in Jamaica and all the mischief she would get into.  She even kept track of her conversations with everyone and would pick up right where she left off from the last time you spoke with her.  She also surrounded herself with displays of family photos that were sent to her.  When visiting Velma, one of the last things she would say to you before leaving is “All you young people make this old lady feel good.”

Velma was such a positive influence in the lives of so many people.  One quoted sentiment that was echoed by many in Velma’s life is “Grandma, I want to thank you for the positive influence you have been in my life.  You have helped make me the person I am today.  I want you to know how much you mean to me and I want to thank you for everything you did for me.”

During Velma’s last weeks of life family members never left her side.  Family members took shifts throughout the day and night to make certain she was never alone.  Relatives came from Canada, Texas, Michigan, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Near and far she was not alone.  Other family members comforted her by phone and video chat.  Many friends and family prayed for her throughout this time.  A family friend even comforted her with live violin music in her hospital room.

Velma passed away on April 16th, 2025 with her eldest son by her side.  Velma is survived by her brother, 5 Children, 12 Grandchildren, 21 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren.  

Velma often said, “Peace is the order,” and she is now at peace.  

It breaks our hearts that she is gone and we will miss Velma so much.  

We love you GG.

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