Velma Marshall

Mrs. Velma Lee Marshall, age 72, was born on December 24, 1950, to the late Willie and Mary Francis Means at their home in Birmingham, Alabama. Velma accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and she remained a faithful servant to Him. Velma and her family joined the Mount Zion Community Church of Birmingham where she was a faithful member for over 30 years and until her health began to diminish.

Velma graduated from George Washington Carver High School of Birmingham in 1968. On November 26, 1969, she joined in matrimony with her loving and devoted husband Murray Marshall. They shared over 35 years of marriage together until Murray’s death in 2004. Unto this union was born three beautiful children—two sons and one daughter, who were the most important parts of her life.

Besides her wonderful children and grandchildren, Velma loved and cherished her family and friends. She was so very sweet and kind. She was a lady who never met a stranger. She was also a woman of strength, conviction, and determination who always put the needs of her family and friends at the front of her mind as a priority.  She was truly loved and adored by everyone that knew her.

Velma was very talented, and she had many hobbies and interests which included: gardening, interior decorating, culinary arts, singing in the church choir, designing floral arrangements, and traveling. Velma was employed for over 25 years by Pritchard Industries, where she worked as a building manager in the custodial department.

On November 5, 2023, Velma Lee Marshall departed this life peacefully at her home in Birmingham. There to meet her on the other side were her mother, father, husband, and son, all who preceded her in death. Her legacy will continue through her two children and five grandchildren.

Left to carry on her traditions and cherish her memories are her daughter Latonya (Vincent) Sanders, and her son, Ardale Marshall. She leaves her five grandchildren: Deandre Marshall, Quindarius Marshall, Kiara Marshall, Makaliah Marshall, and Vincent Sanders, Jr.

She also leaves behind her siblings to carry on her memory: Christeen McCann of Chicago, Illinois; Willie (Constance) Means of Olympia Fields, Illinois; and Barbara Clayton and Annie Means of Birmingham. She leaves eight nieces and nephews: Willie D. Means, Edward McCann, Carmaine Means, Latosha Clayton, Pamela Clayton, Michael Means, Kimberly Means, and Jameka McCann. She leaves three great nieces and nephews: Tra’Nadrian Payne, Michael Toykam, and Taylor Fowler.

Velma is survived by three aunts, devoted cousin, two sisters-in-laws, and one brother in law: her aunts Carolyn Means of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Vernell Webb and Pauline Webb of Chicago, Illinois; Constance Smith (her cousin); Anna (Bill) Hurt and Georgiana Marshall, her sisters-in-laws and brother-in-law Zadock Marshall of Syracuse, California. 

She leaves to commemorate her life, her special friends: Laura Williams, Diana Marshall, Sondra Pompey Howard, Barbara Olds, Linda Bryant, and Shirley A. Kirkland. And she leaves behind her beloved Mount Zion Community Church Family and a host of cousins and friends.

The family extends a special thank you to ProHealth Home Health & Hospice, Nurse Tiffany, Nurse Tameka, the doctors, and administrators for their caring and compassionate services rendered.

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