Ms. Velma Townson Kelsoe, age 96, of the New Home community of Holly Pond, Alabama passed away at Shepherd’s Cove Hospice on Friday, August 22, 2025. Born November 20, 1928, in Blount County, AL, Velma was one of eight children born to Oliver Street Townson and Mattie Lou Atchley Townson. Her husband of 58 years, Cecil Clarence Kelsoe, preceded her in death (DOD 6/21/2003). They were the proud parents of two daughters and found joy in creating a warm and welcoming home. Velma was a devoted homemaker who cherished her family above all else.
Her passion for cooking, especially making desserts, brought happiness to her loved ones, and she delighted in sharing her creations with family and friends. She lovingly cared for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always ensuring they felt loved and supported.
During her lifetime, of 96 years, Velma experienced firsthand events we can only read about in history books. Her experiences as a child during the depression, teenager through WWII, a young wife and mother during the early years of Elvis Presley and rock and roll, the turbulent years of the Vietnam Conflict, the space race and the technology revolution; all made her the knowledgeable, kind, caring and compassionate mother, grandmother and great grandmother we all loved. Her legacy will be honored and cherished.
Velma is survived by her daughters, Pamela K. Quinn and Martha Sue Cox (Jim); grandchildren, Amber Melton (Mike), Luke Cox, Adam Cox (Allison), Blake Cox (Stephanie) and Whitney Nixon (Scott); great grandchildren, Emma Melton, Parker Melton, Blakely Cox, Anderson Nixon and Hollynn Nixon; brothers, O.C. Townson (Sara) and Bobby Ray Townson (Rhonda); and sister, Fay Netherton.
Preceding Velma in death in addition to her parents, Oliver and Mattie Lou Townson, are her brothers, Odis Townson, Ovis Townson and James Durham; sisters, Christine Norris and Eudie Murphree; son-in-law, Russell Quinn.
Services for Velma will be Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm. Brother Michael Lackey will officiate with Scott Nixon presenting the eulogy. Honored to serve as pallbearers and escorting Velma to her final resting place in Roswell Creek Cemetery are Jim Cox, Mike Melton, Tim Kelsoe, Phillip Kelsoe, Cole McBride and Ronnie McGriff. Grandsons and great grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice in Velma’s memory.
