I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Velda Caroline Neville entered into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ on April 21, 2021, at the age of 98. For the past twenty-four years, she was an active member of Faith Reformed Church.
On a cold winter day, January 22, 1923, in East Jordan, MI, Velda Caroline Payne (Vel) was the fourth of seven children born to Burdette and Myrtle Payne.
Her fondest memories were of living on a sheep ranch on Lynn Lake in Gaylord, MI. At the age of 12, her family moved not far from the ranch to a farm overlooking a valley. Life on the farm included many chores such as weeding the garden, feeding the chickens, and harvesting fruits and vegetables to help sustain their family through many lean years.
Vel moved into the city to attend her senior year at Gaylord High. She was a pioneer for her time taking Algebra and other advanced classes in high school. Due to her academic success, she was able to take post-high school classes such as bookkeeping, typing, and shorthand. Vel later attended General Motors Institute where she learned to read shop drawings and understand the assembly process while working at General Motors in Flint, MI.
Vel met and married Glen (Bud) Neville who was a foreman and engineer at General Motors in Flint, MI. Glen enlisted in the air force to become a pilot. They were stationed at Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas. During this time WWII ended and they returned to Flint, MI.
Glen and Vel had four children, Glen Jr., Susan, Nancy, and Jolene. After eleven years of marriage, they divorced. Vel relocated to Grand Rapids, MI to be near her four sisters. She became a member of Ideal Park Christian Reformed Church.
She was a devoted mother whose priority was always her children and her faith. Vel was faithful in her unwavering love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. She served as a role model to her children and others through her generous nature and steadfast belief. While raising her children she also provided many fun family adventures including roller-skating, winter skiing, and camping at Green Lake. Later she purchased a cottage on Lincoln Lake that provided many great experiences for her children and grandchildren.
Vel was employed by General Motors and retired after 30 years. Following retirement, she enjoyed many trips, several vacations with her children, and spent time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She relocated to Royal Park Place in Zeeland.
She is survived by her daughters: Susan Watson, Nancy (Jack) Buscher, Jolene (Don) Van Singel, and her daughter-in-law, Marsha Neville. Her Grandchildren: Glen III (Kelly) Neville, Ken Neville, Benjamin “Pete” (Marissa) Neville, Christa Neville, Renee (Leon) Slagter, Heather (Scott) De Korte, John III (Lenea) Watson, Amy (Dustin) Plank, Jack Jr. (Leslie) Buscher, Don Jr. (Jill) Van Singel, Bob (Stacy) Van Singel, Dana (Kent) Tschannen, several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Glen Neville, Norma Neville (daughter-in-law), and Jackson Van Singel (great-grandson).
Visitation will be 1:30-2:45 PM on Sunday, May 2, 2021, in the narthex of Faith Reformed Church, 220 West Central Avenue, Zeeland. A memorial service will be in the sanctuary at 3 PM (masks required). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Jackson’s Web c/o Faith Reformed Church. www.yntemafh.com
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