1922-2024
Velda was born in Crescent, Oklahoma on October 8, 1922. She met her sweetheart, Vergil Galloway, as a teen and was married for 57 years. She outlived Vergil and was 101 years old when she peacefully left this Earth on Monday, August 12, 2024.
As a young girl in 1926-27, Velda and her family migrated to southern California during the dust bowl. It was here in California that Velda grew into a young woman, wife, mother and more (military spouse, sheriff’s wife, foster mother, working mom, etc).
When reflecting on the life and legacy of Velda, more comes to mind than can be shared. She loved and supported her husband through WWII service, loved her family well, found community in her church, and committed her life to serving Jesus daily in many ways. Velda loved traveling, exploring with Vergil for five years in an RV, and visiting her family, one time never leaving. Velda’s life is weaved with love and sacrifice, serving others in everyday ways, including being part of the founding family of City Relief, serving the poor and homeless of New York City.
She was mother to two incredible kids, Richard and Joyce, their spouses, Dixie and Lindy, an extraordinary Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great- Grandmother.
Velda will be honored at a Celebration of Life service, to be held at the Mansion at Waterford where she lived the last four years of her life. Service will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, a gift to City Relief would honor Velda’s legacy. (www. cityrelief.org) FACEBOOK: On a personal note, our mom was a hero to us. She lived a life of unconditional love and prayer. You see, she loved deeply in everyday ways that leaves a lasting mark, and she prayed every day faithfully. She loved people and she loved Jesus.
One final thought, she had an absolute love for the Yankees, die-hard fan…except when she cheered for the Dodgers in California.
Published in the Guthrie News Leader - August 21, 2024