Velma G. King
Velma G. King, 91, of Vinton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9th, 2025. While we mourn that she is no longer here with us, we rejoice knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Ernest King, Jr., and is in the loving arms of Jesus.
Velma was born in Salem, VA to Perry and Bulah Goins on July 8, 1933 and was the youngest of 8 siblings, Alva, Annie Mae, Bulah, Bill, Janie, Joe, and Roland - all of whom preceded her in death. Velma married the love of her life, Ernest King, Jr. on October 9, 1954, and they joyfully raised their 4 children, Sandra, Connie, Leslie and Vickie, together in Roanoke until Ernest’s passing in May 1987.
Velma had a spark for life that can only be described as contagious and her presence will be greatly missed. You could always count on music and laughter when you were with her. Velma was a skilled seamstress, making clothes for her children and grandchildren, and she spent many years of her adult life working for Carter and Jones Dry Cleaning in Roanoke doing alterations. Throughout her life, Velma took great pride in caring for those around her, and was an amazing example of selflessness. Her impact on our lives will be felt for generations to come as she has 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Velma is survived by her four children and their spouses, Sandra Hero and her husband, Ron; Connie Callaham and her husband, Kent; Leslie King and his wife, Karen; and Vickie Vietmeier and her husband, David.
She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and their spouses, Laura and Chris Eastman; Amy and Ashton Swortzel; Nicholas and Meghann King; Jason King and Jessica Kelley; Diana King and Bryan Hilty; Rebekah and Matthew Hall; Caleb and Jordan Knapp; Christopher Knapp; Leigh Vietmeier and Chris Carter; Ellen and Robert Smith; Shantel Hero-Bourgoin and Barry Bourgoin; and Sherrie Hero.
She has 16 great-grandchildren, Abigail and Matthew Eastman; Lillie Mae, Brooks, and Wren King; Hunter Stoker and Sirenety Shifflett; Lexi Hilty; Theodore (Teddy) Hall; Sayward Carter; Gabriel Smith; Chase, Christian, and Camron Chrysler; Austin Hero; and soon to be born, Avery Swortzel; four great-great-grandchildren, Kasey, Cullen, Harper, and Elyse.
Also left to cherish her memory, are special nieces, Debbie Gill, Dorothy Campbell, Cathy Borders; nephew, William “Little Bill” Goins; close friend, Sue Testerman; and her forever, faithful friend, Margie Lattimore.
Family and friends are invited to the Lotz Funeral Home, 1330 East Main Street, Salem VA, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13th to reminisce and honor the life of Velma. A memorial service will take place on Friday, March 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Lotz Salem Chapel with Pastor Jeff Kammerer officiating. Interment service will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.
We’ll have one “burnt up” at the Tavern for you, Mom!
