VELMA ERNESTINE OLDHAM

Velma Ernestine Porter Oldham led a remarkable life filled with love, faith, and devotion. Born in 1928 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, she later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she met and married the love of her life, Calvin Fred Oldham. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage before Calvin's passing in 2013. Together, they raised three daughters named Phyllis, Denise, and Lynn.

Velma's strong faith was central to her life, and she actively served the Lord throughout her years. In Chicago, she was an active member of the Greater Metropolitan Baptist Church, participating in various church activities like morning services, choir singing, and bible study. After moving to DeSoto, Texas, she became a part of Community Missionary Baptist Church, where she cherished her connection with Pastor Dr. Oscar D. Epps Sr. She engaged in several church ministries, including E.C.H.O.E.S cancer support, Season Saints, Luke family, and widow's ministry. Velma demonstrated her caring nature by helping Mother Epps send cards to church members who were unwell or grieving.

Besides her strong faith, Velma possessed a wealth of knowledge and was well-informed about current events worldwide. She shared weather updates with her family daily and had an uncanny ability to predict storms, tornadoes, excessive heat, and snowfall in Iowa.

Velma had a diverse range of interests and talents, including reading, crocheting, painting, making jewelry, gardening, and engaging in RV road trips and cruises across the United States and the Caribbean. She had a great sense of humor and kept her loved ones laughing. Her cooking skills, especially her famous peach cobbler, earned her a special place in the hearts of her family.

As the family historian, Velma played a crucial role in preserving and sharing the rich legacy of her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, considering them among her greatest blessings. Velma showered them with love, guidance, and nurturing care, making sure they knew how cherished they were.

Velma's life was a shining example of faith, ethics, and life lessons. Her legacy of love and wisdom will remain in the hearts of her family forever. While she may no longer be physically present, her memory will always be cherished and missed by those whose lives she touched.

Velma Ernestine Porter Oldham passed away at Methodist Dallas Medical Center with her family at her side on July 30, 2023.  She was preceded in death by her husband: Calvin Fred Oldham, her parents, Elnora Waites and Ernest Porter, step-father Robert Waites Sr; siblings: Roberts Waites Jr, Walter Waites, James Waites and Bobbie Lee Rodgers.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Phyllis Smith-Shepherd (Roosevelt), Denise Nichols (Cortez Sr.), Lynn Sanders (Jerry), siblings: Magnora Benson and Horace Waites (Juanda)  grandchildren: Armand Smith (Miwa), Terrance Smith (Kimberly), Cortez Jr, Niema Collins (Julian), Cyrus Nichols (Jennifer), Christopher Battle (Kristin), Christina Battle-Robertson (David), Jeremy Sanders (Lanee) and Deion Sanders, great grandchildren: Cortez Nichols Jr, Brea Fortune, Taylor Collins, Avary Collins, Elijah Smith, Jayden Farley, Katelyn Battle, Kennedy Battle, London Robertson, Haven Sanders, loving pet Cindi and a host of extended family and friends.