Velma L Barrow

Mrs. Velma L. Barrow, daughter of the late Wilbert Lester Garris and Della Ellis Garris, and wife to her late beloved husband of 55 years Mr. Robert W. Barrow departed her earthly home to be with the Lord May 18, 2015. Velma was born in Ayden North Carolina, where she attended public school. Velma moved to Connecticut during the 1950’s. Mrs. Velma Barrow became a member of St. James Church over 45 years ago. She served as a choir member and was also a Mother of the church until her passing. One of the things Mother often did was to encourage her family and others to make a change in their life by coming to Jesus, and to become a part of a church. Learning to serve the Lord with their whole heart as each person was to work out their own soul salvation. Mother Velma was known to many as simply Nanny. With her whole heart Mother diligently loved and served her family, church and community in whatever capacity she was needed as, whether mother, sister, auntie, neighbor or friend you could count on her to be there through thick and thin. Mother Velma loved to serve the people, her greatest passion was for cooking, clothing and feeding whoever needed it whether naturally or spiritually; her open arms were always willing and always available. With her tender words, a genuine heart and her beautiful smile Mother Velma would encourage anyone and everyone to be strong and trust in the Lord and that all would be well no matter the trial or tribulation, she understood the road you were on would soon lead you in the right direction, and whatever you do, do not part from your faith but finish the race. Velma was employed at the Elm City Head Start, and with Yale University for 24 years until her retirement in June of 2002. Mother Barrow’s leaves to cherish her memory eight children Robert Barrow Jr. (Juanita), Marie Bryant (Marvin), Laura Jones (Reginald), Harold Barrow (LaCretia), Karen Barrow, Helen Barrow, Velma Barrow all of New Haven, and Janice Ortiz (Kevin) of West Haven, Ct., two sisters Mary Thomas of Newark, NJ., and Eldora Burney of Ayden, NC., a special grandson Nathaniel Reeves, Jr. , 30 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of other relatives and friends. Velma was preceded in death by seven brothers John, Edward, Willard, Eddie, Mack, Henry, Haywood, one sister Helen Garris-Dixon, one grandchild, and two great grandchildren.

Velma L Barrow

December 19, 1939 - May 19, 2015