Velma Louise North's Obituary
Velma Louise Bridges Martin North, 92, a longtime resident of Welch, OK passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. She was born December 19, 1922 in Hollow, OK to Ralph Fred York and Louise Elizabeth (McQuitly) York. Velma married John W. Bridges on October 5, 1940. He preceded her in death on March 20, 1977. She later married Samuel Martin and several years after his passing, she married Marcus North, who also precedes her in death. While married to John Bridges, Velma worked on the family farm south of Welch, doing whatever needed to be done in the house or in the field. She also worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Eastern State Hospital in Vinita. She was active in the Welch Senior Citizens, the Welch Lions Club, and served as the first secretary for the Welch Public Schools Enrichment Foundation. She was a longtime and faithful member of the Welch Baptist Church where she strongly supported the youth and helped send numerous children to church camp. Velma was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Bernadene and Betty; two brothers, Max and Johnny; and her three husbands. She is survived by one daughter, Jean Ann Patterson and husband Donald of Slidell, LA; one son, John Martin Lee Bridges of Welch, OK; two step-daughters, Donna and Linda North of Jacksonville, FL; 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marietta Jinks of Welch, OK; 7 nieces, 6 nephews; one brother in law, Clifford Campbell, and one sister in law, Juanita Woolman. A visitation will be held Sunday, July 26, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Welch Baptist Church. Services will be held Monday, July 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Welch Baptist Church. Pastor Ralph Heiney will officiate. Burial will follow in the Walker Cemetery, west of Welch. Casket bearers will be Randy York, Rickey York, Herbie Gamble, Chuck Bennett, Leon Hemann, and Fred York. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Welch Baptist Church or the Welch Public Schools Enrichment Foundation in care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.O. Box 231 Welch, OK 74369.
What’s your fondest memory of Velma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Velma?
Share a story where Velma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Velma you’ll never forget.
How did Velma make you smile?