Velma Martin Sowers

Mrs. Velma Martin Sowers, 102, of Hillsville, VA, passed away Friday, May 21, 2010, at Trinity Mission of Hillsville. Mrs. Sowers was born November 23, 1907, in Carroll County, VA, to the late Robert Lee and Minnie Marshall Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, the Rev. Walter Christa Sowers; a son, Alva Loy Sowers; a sister; and eight brothers. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie S. and Coy Kimble and Kathleen S. and Earl Melton, all of Hillsville, VA; three grandchildren and their spouses, Tammie and Jim Leath of Galax, VA, Greg Kimble of Woodlawn, VA, and Kathi M. and Steve Hunter of Spring Grove, VA; a great-grandson, Tyler Kimble; twins great-granddaughters, Trystin Kimble and Teagan Kimble; two step-great-grandsons and their spouses, Evan Julia Hunter and Eric and Liz Hunter; and two step-great-great-grandsons, Ryan Hunter and Ethan Hunter. The funeral service will be held Sunday, May 23, 2010, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Hillsville, VA, with Dr. Lawrence Childs officiating. Burial will follow in the Rome Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Hillsville, VA. Her body will lie-in-state 30 minutes before the service at the church on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Picnic Shelter Building Fund at First Baptist Church or to the Cemetery Maintenance Fund at Rome Baptist Church. The family would like to thank the staff of Trinity Mission of Hillsville for their excellent help, care, and support as well as her friends during this time.