Mrs. Velma R. Woodson, a Vicksburg resident, passed away on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at River Region Medical Center following a lengthy illness. She was 86.

Mrs. Woodson was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala. She moved to Vicksburg in 1940 and joined and was confirmed in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, where she was active in the Altar Guild and Women of the Church Guild and was a past educator for the St. Mary’s Episcopal School. She retired from the First National Bank in 1977. After her retirement she worked as the family service coordinator for the Vicksburg Housing Authority. She was a charter member and past president of the Negro Business and Professional Club, past chairperson of the Advisory Board of Community Council of Retired Senior Volunteer Program, past president of the American Legion Post No. 213 Auxiliary and was a graduate of the SCI Institute.

She was preceded in death by her husband Josef W. Woodson; and her parents, Eddie and Rosie Robinson.

She is survived by her daughters, Elayne Woodson-Gamble (Charles) of Vicksburg and Nuita Woodson-Davis of Henderson, Nev.; three grandchildren, Adrienne C. Gamble of Vicksburg and Venetia and Nuita L. Davis of Henderson; her godchildren, Doris Davis (Johnny) of Vicksburg, Sean Michael Moss of New York, N.Y., and Dr. Malcom Taylor of Madison; and a host of cousins and other family members including June Moss, Dr. Anita George, Charles and Carolyn Butler, and members of the Robinson, Bell, Sanders, Higgs and Tuscon families.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. Denny Allman officiating with Deacon Susan Disharoon assisting. Interment shall follow at the Cedar Hill Cemetery with W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home in charge. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012, in the chapel.