Velma Jean (Driggs) Rayer

On Friday morning, July 20, 2018 our Heavenly Father welcomed His daughter, Velma Jean Rayer home. 

Velma Jean Rayer, 88, of Chillicothe was born March 24, 1930 in New Martinsville, West Virginia to the late Brady and Nellie (Mercer) Driggs.  She was preceded in death by her first husband, Oshal Hurles.  On June 8, 1963 she married Leland T. Rayer who preceded her in death August 30, 2008.

Surviving are her step-children, Larry (Sytha) Rayer and Kathleen (Bob) Smith; a step-daughter-in-law, Jackie Rayer; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Francis Black; a brother, Billy Joe Driggs; a special niece, Jill (Mike) Bowers; a friend, Ruth Horner and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Alice Hurles, brothers, Kenny, at birth, James and wife, Margaret, Bob and David Driggs, sister, Ruth Ann Heath and husband, Buck, a step-son, Richard Rayer and great-granddaughter, Grace Hawkins.

Velma received her GED in 1967.  She had been employed by Pat’s Dairy Mart, Carroll’s Potato Chips, Purpero’s Grocery and the Chief Logan Motel.  She collected pictures of covered bridges and at one time, every inch of her living room walls had a picture of a covered bridge, the last count being over 100.  She loved to sew and made her grandchildren beautiful dolls.

Velma was an active member of the Chillicothe Baptist Church since 1961.  She served her church in numerous positions, including the establishment of a church library.

After raising her children, Velma and Lee sacrificially devoted their lives to raising some of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 in the FAWCETT OLIVER GLASS AND PALMER FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Tim Cline officiating.  Burial will follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday.  In lieu of flowers, Velma requested that contributions be made to the Chillicothe Baptist Church Investing in Eternity Program.

The Fawcett Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home are honored to serve the family. 

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