Velma Stroup

Velma Arlene Stroup of Swansea, Illinois, formerly of Potosi, Missouri, entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 8, 2016 at the Clinton Manor Living Center, New Baden, Ill., having reached the age of ninety. She was born on October 6, 1925, in Potosi, a daughter to the late James Nelson and the late Alfreda (Strauser) Nelson.

On November 12, 1943, Velma was united in marriage to Raney Stroup in Potosi and they shared fifty nine years together. She was a devoted wife and mother, life-long homemaker and great country cook. In her younger days she was an avid gardener and loved to cook out and camp along the streams and rivers of Washington County, MO. Her home cooked meals during family holidays were the stuff of legend. Her 4 star breakfasts of bacon, eggs, sausages, biscuits and gravy were the envy of the civilized world. She was a lifelong Christian who loved the teachings of Billy Graham and Joel Osteen. Above all, however, was her family, which remained the center of her life till she passed.

Velma is survived by one son: Steve Stroup and wife Sandra of O'Fallon, Illinois; two daughters: Judy Edwards of Swansea, Ill. and Joyce Majeski and husband Larry of O'Fallon, Ill.; brother, Bill Nelson of Potosi; three grandchildren: Chris Edwards, Tracy Timmons and Jessica Stroup; two great granddaughters: Ashley Edwards and Kylie Timmons; one great great granddaughter Hailey Crocker; beloved niece Dolores Lyons of Blue Springs, Missouri; also surviving are many other dear nieces, nephews, relatives and friends all of whom she cherished.

In addition to her parents, Velma was preceded in death by her loving husband Raney Stroup; sister Ruby Yarbrough; two brothers: Wallace and Wayne Nelson and two sisters-in-law: Tudy Nelson and Corine Nelson and niece Marietta.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 11, from 4:30-8:00 PM and Tuesday, July 12, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the DeClue Funeral Home, 301 East High Street, Potosi, MO. 63664.

A funeral service from Velma will be held Tuesday, July 12, at 1:00 PM at the DeClue Memorial Chapel with Elder Leonard Compton officiating.

Interment and final prayers will be held at the Redbud Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Potosi, Missouri.

Velma’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at the Clinton Manor Living Center and Hospice of Southern Illinois who went above and beyond in the care of our Mom.

DeClue Funeral Home was privileged to direct and care for the funeral arrangements for Velma during this time of remembrance.