Velma Louise (Woods) York

Velma Louise York completed her earthly journey and entered her eternal rest with grace and peace. She was 85. Velma was born on September 2, 1940, in Hamburg, Arkansas, to Vera and Joe Woods. She was the fourth of their seven children. From the very beginning, Velma carried a quiet strength, a generous spirit, and a deep love for God and family. Velma confessed her life to Christ at an early age and became a lifelong servant of God. She was a prayer warrior. Velma married the love of her life, the late Rev. Bennie York, in 1978, and together they built a ministry rooted in restoration and hope in Fort Wayne, IN. They established Trinity Baptist Church and later The Trinity House of Hope, a home for men transitioning from prison, an act of service that reflected Velma’s belief in second chances and God’s power to transform lives. She was a devoted member of Oakridge Temple Church of God in Christ in Fort Wayne, where she served faithfully on numerous boards, including the Mother’s Board and the Missionary Board. Velma’s church family knew her as a woman who prayed daily with conviction, encouraged with tenderness, and showed up with a servant’s heart. Velma dedicated 22 years to the Fort Wayne State Hospital, where, as a nurse’s aide, she was known for her reliability, compassion, and steady presence. Known fondly as the woman with the suitcase, Velma loved to travel, and her journeys, whether across states or across town, brought her joy, laughter, and memories she cherished deeply. Velma’s greatest pride was her family. She leaves to cherish in her memory:

● Five children: Johnnie Williams(Lucy), Minneapolis, MN; Clara Williams, Fort Wayne, IN; Sonya Gilkey(Glenn), Atlanta, GA; Ronnie Williams, Fort Wayne, IN; and Kendrick York(Yana), Houston, TX. And one daughter-in-law, DeDe Williams, Minneapolis, MN. Two stepdaughters, Capusine Watts and Sherie Mosley, both of Fort Wayne.

● Five siblings: Mary English, Fort Wayne; Robert Woods(Kathy), St. Paul, MN; Vernell Woods, Tampa, FL; Isaiah Woods, Nashville, TN; and Mike Woods Muhammad, Lima, OH. Nineteen grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Velma is preceded in death by her husband Ben; sister, Lena Woods; three children, Shirley Williams, Elaine Williams, and Bobby Williams; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Williams; and two grandsons, Tyrell Williams and Bobby Travell Williams. Velma’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and unconditional love.

She touched countless lives through her church, her work, her travels, and most of all, through the warmth she extended to everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in her seven children, her grandchildren, her church community, and all who were blessed to know her.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.