Velma Inez Sowards

Our Mom, Velma Sowards, 92, of Hurricane moved to Heaven Sunday, May 4, 2014. Born February 7, 1922 in Hurricane, she was a daughter of the late, G.M. (Ken) and Lola Sovine Fisher. She was also preceded in death by three sons, Ivan Sowards, Ronnie Sowards and Harold Lee (Lillian) Mitchell; her sister, Freda (Paul) Gibson; two brothers, D.V. “Pete” Fisher and Ivan (Nina) Fisher; two grandsons, H. Douglas Mitchell and Charles “Hank” Graley; one great-grandson, Michael Mitchell. She is survived by two sons, Vernon “Jackie” Sowards (Louise Miller) and Paul D. Sowards (Tammy) all of Hurricane; six daughters, Carolyn Miller (Bill) and Bernice June Shy all of Huntington, Margaret Jefferson (Jim) of West Hamlin, Mary Call (Paul) of Hurricane with whom she made her home, Connie Williams (Jack) of Barboursville, Shirley Sheppard (Randy) of Milton and her “other” daughter, loving granddaughter and long-term caregiver, Susan Reynolds (Rickey of Culloden; 20 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Eva Young Fisher, several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of family and friends who are left to cherish her memory. Our Mom was a lifelong resident of Hurricane and a devoted Christian, Baptist by faith. She had started January 1, to read her Bible for what would have been the 23rd time completely cover to cover. She also did the “Bible Quiz” in her local paper, The Hurricane Breeze submitting questions for over 17 years and only quit earlier this year because of declining health. She helped spread The Word and met many people who became loving friends. She also was a faithful listener to the Ministry and Christian music on her favorite radio station WEMM. “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Mom was a loving, hard working, gentle lady who was well-known for her huge vegetable gardens and home canning as well as her “country” home-cooking and loved nothing better than to have all of her kids home for Sunday dinner. “She looketh well to her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” Proverbs 31:27 We would like to thank Gerling Health Care, especially David, Stacie and Debbie, Dr. Randall Peterson and “her girls”, Ellen, Marcia, Ashley, Monta and Jill at Putnam Family Practice. She loved you all and thanks for treating her like the Queen we all thought she was. Thanks also to HospiceCare, especially Tammy, Lynn and Pete for your care as well. Funeral service will be held at 11am Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial will follow in the Kingery Cemetery, Hurricane. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm Tuesday at the funeral home. You may visit www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com to share sympathies with the family. Mom, we love you and miss you. Enjoy your first Mother’s Day in Heaven. “Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted” Matthew 5:4 Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane is honored to serve the Sowards family.

Velma Inez Sowards

February 7, 1922 - May 4, 2014