Velma L. Ashford, age 91 of Metropolis, Illinois passed away at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Metropolis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with her family by her side. She was born on July 12, 1932 in Cave in Rock, Illinois, the daughter of Ernest and Tamar (Oxford) Lowry.

Graveside services will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Metropolis Memorial Gardens.

Velma was a hard worker, having worked several jobs in Metropolis. She was a member of Living Waters Full Gospel Church in Joppa, enjoyed people, loved helping people, loved to play the piano and sing at church, and to know her was to love her.

Velma is survived by her grandchildren, Michael Englehart, Monty Englehart, Misty York (Doug), Amanda Steele, Keri Johnson (Quintin "Matt"); son-in-law, John D. Steele; several great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 64 years, Lowell G. Ashford; daughters, Karla Kay Sawyers and Kathy L. Steele; grandson, Jeremy Newberry; sisters, Monell Fisher, Mildred Naomi Reed, Melva Evangeline Jarvis; chosen brother, Curtis Leo Lowry; brothers, Lowell Ray Lowry, Owen Lowry, Galen Dempsey Lowry.

Pallbearers will be Matt Johnson, John D. Steele, Devon Englehart, Michael Englehart, Dugger McNair, and Chris Yates.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online Condolences may be made at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com