Velma Louise (Austin) Farmer

Velma Louise Austin Farmer, 65, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on February 9, 2023. Velma was born on March 2, 1957, to Francis Austin and Nannie Austin in Lynchburg, Virginia.  She graduated from Appomattox County High School in 1976. After obtaining her credentials, she worked for over 20 years as a nursing assistant at St. John’s Nursing Home in Lynchburg.

Velma gave her life to Christ at a young age and joined the Mt. Obed Baptist Church in Concord, VA, where she sang in the choir. Later in life, she faithfully attended Peaceful Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA under the leadership of Pastor Mark Everhart.

She was married to the late Eric Andre Farmer, who preceded her in death on July 25, 2011. Velma is survived by her son, Andre Austin; three grandchildren, Oneka Jones, Andrea Austin, and Zion Austin; three sisters, Sandra Johnson (Ralph), Debra Davis (Larry), Susan Culpepper; two brothers, Donald Austin (Doris) and Stanley Austin (Brenda); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Velma is remembered as the life of the party, who enjoyed playing cards and gathering with friends. Before being placed in the nursing home, she never let being wheelchair-bound stop her from maintaining an active life. She was always seen driving her wheelchair back and forth from home to the hospital and nursing home to visit friends and loved ones.

Always demonstrating tenacity for life, she loved riding in her wheelchair to the convenience stores accompanied by her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. The last years of her life were spent in a nursing home, but she maintained a positive attitude, never complained, and greeted all of her visitors with a beautiful smile. Whenever someone asked her how she was doing, she would reply by saying, “I feel good. I don’t hurt nowhere. I thank God I don’t have any pain”. Doctors and nurses stated she was a Living Miracle.

A funeral service for Mrs. Farmer will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Peaceful Baptist Church, 2009 Park Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24501.  She will lie in repose one hour prior to the funeral service.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 12 noon until 5 p.m. at Bruce & Stiff.

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