Velma Jean (Shaw) Summerville

     Velma Jean Summerville, age 80, of Knox, passed away Thursday morning, October 3, 2019 at the Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, following a lengthy illness.

     Born February 2, 1939 at home in the Big Bend area of Emlenton, she was the daughter of the late William S. “Van” Shaw and Hazel Jeanette “Janet” Lawrence Shaw.

     She was the Valedictorian of the Emlenton High School class of 1957 and a graduate of the Warren Business College.

     On October 13, 1961, Velma married John F. Summerville and he survives.

     She worked as a secretary in many offices and was a reading aide, but when she became a mother, she became a “stay at home mom” to raise her children.

     Velma was a member of the Knox United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, served on the administrative board and taught Sunday School.

     She was a past member of the Knox Civic Club, enjoyed playing cards, reading, walking, cooking and baking, and was well known around town for her chocolate chip cookies.

     Velma loved spending time with her family and traveling to North Carolina to see her son and his family.

    Survivors include her husband, John, of Knox; one son: John A. Summerville and his wife, Nola, of Cary, North Carolina and one daughter:  Sharon A. Standish and her husband, Jerry, of Knox.

     Velma is also survived by six grandchildren:  John A. “Andy” Summerville, Paul Summerville and his wife, Melissa; Cassie Summerville, Ethan Summerville, Vivian Summerville and Noah Standish, and one brother, Warren R. Shaw and his wife, Elaine, of Greenville.

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a stillborn daughter, Marcie Lynn Summerville and a brother, Van Alton Shaw.

     Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2019 at the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

     Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the Knox United Methodist Church, 9729 Route 338, Knox.  Reverend Wade Barto, pastor of the church, will officiate over the services.

     Interment will follow in the St. Petersburg Cemetery.

     Online condolences may be sent to Velma’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

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