Velma Taylor

Velma Taylor was born on July 31, 1926 to Fr. Naymetallah and Kh. Hafeetha Shadid in Oklahoma City. As a young child, Velma's family moved to Marjayoun, Lebanon, where she was raised along with her four siblings. Upon moving back to Oklahoma, Velma attended and graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City. In 1949, Velma married Jimmie Taylor at St. Elijah Church in Oklahoma City. Jimmie and Velma resided in Healdton, OK where Jimmie was a rancher. They had four children. After her beloved husband was killed in a tragic farming accident, Velma and her children later moved to Oklahoma City. While raising her children, Velma received her degree in French and Elementary Education from Oklahoma City University in 1970. She taught French at New World School and later served as a substitute teacher in the Putnam City district. In 1976, Velma began working in the front office of her son's dental practice where she continued working for over forty years in billing and scheduling. Velma was very proud of her Lebanese heritage as well as being an American. She was a woman of faith, generosity, humor, strength, and always had a heart for those less fortunate. Into her late eighties, Velma lovingly prepared an elaborate weekly Sunday lunch for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She created family traditions such as her much anticipated annual New Year's Eve party. She looked forward to attending church each week at St. Elijah. An avid gardener, Velma enjoyed nature and being outdoors. Neighbors fondly recalled seeing her as she went for her evening walk. Velma was a wonderfully loving mother and Sitty and will be greatly missed.Velma was preceded in death by: her husband, Jimmie Taylor, her parents, Fr. Naymetallah and Kh. Hafeetha Shadid, and her brothers, Morris Shadid and Phil Shadid. She is survived by her four children: Dr. Jim Taylor, Judy and husband Mike Malone, Gary and wife Pam Taylor, and Larry Taylor, her grandchildren: Michelle Malone, Bryan and wife Jana Taylor, Jeana and husband Bobby Prater, Adam and wife Sara Taylor, Dr. Jimmie and wife Juliann Taylor, Dr. Stephen and wife Megan Taylor, Christopher and wife Tayler Taylor, and Delaney Taylor, her great grandchildren: Ashton, Falon, Ellie, Shelby, Brynn, Brody, Lillie, Kinsley, Maylie, Presley, Ryker, Rosie, and Hazel. She is also survived by her brother, Jimmy Shadid, sister, Neena and husband Phil Haddad, and sister-in-law, Barbara Shadid, as well as many nephews and nieces. Viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, Tuesday, October 13th. The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church with burial to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Flowers That Do Not Wither Fund at St. Elijah Church.