Velma Esther Brown

Velma Esther Brown, 87 years old, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at her beautiful home in Eagle Point, OR.

Velma's father, William Franklin Speer, had previously been married and widowed, with five young children to raise. Mr. Speer of Gatlinburg,TN, sweet talked Miss Eddith Lucilla Webb into holy matrimony. A couple years later, with a lot of love, patience, and hard work Velma's older sister Eunice Speer was born. Velma was born in Poyen, AR on February 26,1937. Arkansas never quite recovered from the Great Depression, so at the young age of 8 years old, the Speers sold their home and moved west for a chance at a better life. They moved to Washington State where her father worked in the timber business. Soon they bought a small house in Toppenish, WA. When she was younger, Velma was very shy and often teased by other children for her accent. She grew close to her slightly older cousins, Melba and Margarite and they loved to run around the Yakima Valley together. Velma attended Toppenish High School. In Highschool, she was a drill team Majorette until graduating 1955. One fateful night, during "Ladies Choice" at a skating rink in the valley, she skated over Edwin William Roberts and asked him to skate with her before tripping right in front of him. They were married on October 20,1955. Together they had four daughters; Sandra Lynn ('58), Cheryl Ann ('60), Edie Gail ('63), and Rebecca Dawn Roberts ('73). Velma was very hardworking and kind. Her family was her pride and joy. After her divorce from Edwin in 1976, she solely supported her daughters, working long hours at Del Monte warehouses while attending night classes for phlebotomy at Yakima Valley Community College, where she eventually earned her AA. She worked as a phlebotomist for many years at Sunnyside Community Hospital, where she met one of her dear friends Jean Teagarden.Though she was diligent and hardworking, Velma also made time to enjoy her many interests such as baking, sewing, yard sailing, reading, canning, dancing, fishing, playing cards and gardening. She met the love of her life Paul Samuel Brown in 1977, and they lived happily together until his death in 2022. 

She is preceded in death by; her parents Eddith L. and William F. Speer, her half-siblings James, Gladys, Dewitt, Jessie (JB), and William (JR) Speer. Her elder sister Eunice Silversmith, married to John Silversmith. Her niece Charlotte Jo and nephew Johnny Silversmith. Her daughter Cheryl A. McGovern, married to Bobby McGovern. Her daughter Edie G. Newhouse. And her husband Paul S. Brown. 

She is survived by; her daughter Sandra L. Hewitt, married to Bradley E. Hewitt, and their son Evan R. Hewitt. Her son-in-law Tom Newhouse. Her grandson Derek Newhouse, married to Maranda Newhouse. Her niece Lisa (Silversmith) Hill. Her daughter Rebecca D. Rossmeisl, married to Roman J. Rossmeisl. Her grandchildren Jordyn S. Rossmeisl, Roman A. Rossmeisl, Jaden Z. Rossmeisl, Ryan B. Rossmeisl, McKenzie D. Rossmeisl, and Logan A. Rossmeisl. And by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives. 

All are invited to the Smith Funeral Home in Grandview, for the viewing from 9am-11am, and for the Grandview Cemetery graveside service at 11:30am on Saturday, June 1, 2024 to reminisce and honor the life of Velma. Thank you. Those wishing to sign Velma’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Velma Esther Brown, please visit our floral store.