Velma Senora Flack, at an early age, made her eternal reservations for Heaven, when she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the First Baptist Church East End in Newport News, VA. 

She was the oldest daughter, born October 30,1948 to the late Dock (1988) and Margaret Flack (1982) in Newport News, Virginia. We lived in a close knit 36th Street neighborhood and surrounding community, where Booker T Washington Elementary was on Chestnut Avenue and Huntington High School was on Orcutt Avenue, each within walking distance of our home, with friends and neighbors all in between.

On the way to elementary school, Velma was a big sister to some and friend to others, as she walked along with former classmates, Jean, sisters Velma, who had the same first name, and Joyce, and others she’d meet up with each day along the way.

Velma graduated from Huntington High School, home of the “Mighty Vikings”, in June 1967. She joined the USAF, where she worked in human resources. She eventually got stationed closer to home at Langley, AFB. Being a lover of music and a good song, as were all the Flack’s, Velma sang in the church and high school choirs.  She also enjoyed being a vocalist with the Air Force band while at Langley, as well as being a 1st place winner of a few singing contests at previous duty stations. Sergeant Flack was honorably discharged in July 1971.

 Velma made Atlanta, GA her home in the 70’s, where she attended Massey Junior College. After college, she wanted to be a flight attendant with United Airlines, because of the gap in her teeth, it didn’t “FLY” with the airlines, instead she settled for the “behind the scenes job” as a ticket reservationist with United. Velma wore that gap with pride, and it continued to be a part of her signature smile. Later, she worked for Macy’s, the state of Georgia, and with private families, finally deciding to retire and worked her way back home to Virginia in the late 1990’s, reconnecting with family and old friends.

Velma was welcomed into the World Victory Church and Life Center Family in 2001. With plenty of questions on her spiritual journey, and not sure where she fit in, connecting with several different churches, until she found a home with the Friendship Baptist Church Family in Newport News. A special friendship developed with Sister Alice Grant, who became a dear friend to Velma, and continued to show love and support to our family during her illness. We thank God for you Sister Alice!  

After a fall in mid-February, and stint at Riverside, and later the Sentara Careplex, the medical staff realized that palliative care was the next best step needed for Velma. She connected  with the Department of Veterans Affairs, who placed her with fellow veterans, at the Hampton VA Medical Center, Hospice and Palliative Care Facility. Her body wasn’t doing what she wanted, yet the mind and voice, not as strong, was still present. Her final earthly residency at Hampton VA is where the stars also shined brightly within the staff and team of volunteers that took care of her for such a time as this. They became our extended family because not only did they have genuine concern for the patient that they were caring for, but for that of the family as well. One can’t begin to express how much gratitude we have for what that group does on a daily basis.  

On Monday, August 28th, around 3pm, our sister’s eternal reservations were confirmed on her arrival in Heaven.  Knowing Velma, she was probably singing one of her favorite hymns, “Come Ye Disconsolate”, to those who were making the journey along with her that day. For she knew in the midst of their sadness, there would finally be happiness, peace and joy where they were heading and it’s never ending!

Along with mom and dad, she joins Eddie Jeep (1999), Calvin Gadget (2001), Alton Craig (2007) and Mary Polly (2021) in their heavenly residence.

She’s survived by sisters Mattie “Bonnie” Sanchas of San Diego, CA,  Josephine Stith (John) of Newport News, and sister-in-law, Brenda Fennell-Flack, also of Newport News, VA.  A host of nieces and nephews.  Some called her Aunt Velma and others said Aunt Bilma, which she received with joy! That includes, Thurman, Angela, Zachary, Gabby, Carter Lee, Terrence, Tyler, Byron, Felecia, Ashton, Kelton, Shelton, Tylar, Chyna, Brandon, Danelle, Alivia, Davante, John, Megan, Noah, Eddie Jr, and Deidre. With cousins from New Jersey to North Carolina.

To all of you who were able to connect with Velma, with prayers, a card, and even a visit, we thank you all. When it was a good day and Velma could respond, I’d make the call and she’d get to hear their voice and maybe  say a few words to her friend Alice and former classmates, Walter Bowser, Jean Freeman, or Velma Corbin, and sometimes even DUO.  She had a very good memory when it came to family, military, school and friends. To our HHS Alumni Association, thank you for getting the information out there for us regarding our sister. 

Thank you to the staff of Cremation Society of Virginia, Hampton Roads Office, for their excellent care of our loved one and concern for our wellbeing.

A special thank you to our “honorary member of the Flack Family”, as well as our pastor, Reverend Jeff W. Jones, a blessed man of God, and the World Victory Church Family for their continued love and support. We’re grateful!

Our family has chosen not to have a service. We pray that you will keep those precious memories of Velma in your hearts, as we have. 

Thank you,

The Flack Stith Family