Velma Emery

Velma Lee Kendall-Emery, age 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 6, 2023, at Yale New Haven/St Raphael Hospital. Born on September 24, 1937, in Cottonville, NC to Gene Howell and Roxie Kendall-Hobbs. Velma attended Stanley High School in North Carolina. Velma was a bright young woman with a strong drive and a passion to lead. In the late fifties, she decided to head north to New Haven, CT., following other family members. Where she would later settle down, have a family, and begin to lead many generations of strong women. Velma attended Mt Zion Seventh Day Adventist Church along with her family. In 1967 she was married to Herman Emery where they both served the church as faithful and dedicated members. In the late 1970s, Velma was determined to do better for herself and her family. After working several jobs, who knew she would cross the picket line and land a job at Olin/US Repeating Arms Co. She worked hard and was proud of her success and accomplishments, up until her retirement in 2000. In 2003 Velma reaffirm her membership at Mt Zion Seventh Day Adventist Church by being rebaptized where she enjoyed serving the Lord. Velma truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. She enjoyed cooking and passing her cooking secrets down to her girls. She may not have had much to give but she always showed her love through her home cooked meals. Velma was also known for her legendary sweet potato pies. Today her memory lives on through her brother Bobby (Betty) Dunlap (Norwood, NC), her daughters Linda Kendall (Hamden, CT), Sheila (Nelson) Huggins (Orangeburg, SC), Iris Emery (Hamden, CT), grandchildren Darius (Amber) Harper (Greensboro, NC) and their three children, Alisha (Danyal) Graham (Olathe, KS) and their four children, Erica Sanford (Chester, VA) and her one child, Vinisha Knight (Charlotte, NC) and her one child, Morris Emery (New Haven, CT), Khadijia (James) Gatison (Meriden, CT) and there one child, Skye Gadson (Hartford, CT) and her one child, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Velma was preceded in death by both parents, brother Henry Howell, and son Dexter Kendall. Services will be livestreamed through our MFH Livestreaming page on Facebook,

Velma Emery

September 24, 1937 - February 6, 2023