Velma Lee Tolbert Dillard was born July 7, 1941, in Needville, Texas.  She was the second of four children born to Thurmon M. Tolbert, Sr. and Viola McCowan Tolbert.  During her childhood, her Christian beliefs and behavior were greatly influenced by her parents. Velma loved singing in the choir and participating in various church ministries. She accepted Christ at an early age, and she attended church at St. Mark A.M.E. in Needville, Texas.  She was the musician and secretary of Sunday School.

Velma attended William Routt (WM) Elementary School in Needville, Texas during her early childhood years, and she later attended Powell Point High School in Kendleton, Texas where she graduated.   It was during this time she met a handsome young man named Norris Dillard, and a courtship began and lasted for seven years as he became the love of her life. She continued her education at Prairie View A&M University, receiving her Associate's degree. Velma loved singing, playing sports (especially basketball), meeting and helping people.  No one was a stranger to her. She was known for her sweet spirit and kind words and loved by all who knew her.

Velma enjoyed spending time with her siblings.  Much of that time was spent with her sister, Cora, and brother, Thurmon in the cotton field and at church during their early years. They both loved music, and there was one song they would sing at different events and churches, "Give me my flowers."   Her baby brother, Larry, is the one who kept her laughing.  From the time she would answer the phone and hear his voice, she would begin to laugh because she knew he always had a funny story to tell.  Her words were always, "Boy, you are crazy" while her head was pulled back, and she was trying to catch her breath from laughing so hard. Every day she was calling her sister, Cora, or expecting a call from her as they had a sisterly bond of so much love for one another.  She would always say, "I love my Big Sis."

On June 16, 1962, Velma began a new chapter. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Norris Dillard.  She remained faithful in serving her church and the Lord alongside her husband while attending Blueridge United Methodist Church which they both joined in November 1962 under the leadership of Pastor Hilton Huey.  She was an active member and participated in various ministries including: the Gospel Choir where she served as president, Voices of Blueridge, also serving as president; and Blueridge United Methodist Women where she served as treasurer. She also served as co-chair of Family and Friends Day, chairperson of Pastor Parish Relations, co-chair of the Children's Choir, and served as member of the Nominating Committee.

Velma is a trailblazer as she was the first African American to be employed by Teamsters where she worked as a secretary. After ending her employment with Teamsters, she worked for Volunteers of America where she served as Director of Daycares in the Houston area.

Norris and Velma built a life together and to their loving union four children were born, including:  Norris Jr., Norlisa, Nicole and Niles.  Velma was the epitome of a virtuous woman. She was a devoted wife for 62 years, a godly and nurturing mother who taught her children early on the importance of family. She enjoyed the family dinners on Sundays, the fishing trips with her family as she loved to fish, and she was an expert.  She loved our family vacations together, traveling all over on many trips including Hawaii, Alaska and many others. She would always ask, where are we going next?

She was a grandmother of five, and she made sure they knew how much she loved them and how proud she was of them.  She extended encouragement to them, and her arms and heart were always open to them to talk openly without judgment, they could always come to her for advice. She gave her grandchildren the same unconditional love that she gave her children and constantly told them how much she loved them. She was a great-grandmother of six, and she felt so blessed to be able to see this generation.  She felt it was the greatest gift as she constantly reminded her children that her mother did not have the privilege of seeing her great-grandchildren. Her two guiding principles were faith and family. She loved the Lord. Her faith was strong. She loved her family unconditionally, and she provided tender guidance, wise counsel and loving discipline. Velma stressed and displayed generosity and kindness.

Velma will definitely be remembered by the laughter and joy she brought to so many, her smile that was so full of grace and her character that was sweeter than pie.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, son (Norris Dillard, Jr.) and brother Thurmon M. Tolbert Jr.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories, her husband of 62 years, Norris M. Dillard, Sr.; her children: Norlisa Dillard-Banks (Rev. Odie), Nicole Dillard, Niles Dillard (Deandrea); one sister, Cora Dawson (Pastor Marvin, deceased), one brother, Larry Tolbert (Liz); two brothers-in-law: Lawrence Dillard (Audrey), Cornell Dillard (Johnnie); one sister-in-law Malissia Dillard; grandchildren: Bruce Goeyns, Jr. (Micolette), Brandon Goeyns (Antionnette), Christopher N. Mathis, Norris Dillard, Lauren Dillard; great grandchildren: Carter Goeyns, Noah Goeyns, Amir Goeyns, Michael Goeyns, Ashmeer Clark and Mulan Goeyns; one Goddaughter, Dinah Dunmon; and one Godson, Glenn Dillard Jr.

The life and legacy of Mrs. Velma Dillard will be cherished.

With humble acceptance of God's will, we announce the passing of Velma Lee Tolbert Dillard on April 22nd. Beloved wife of Norris Dillard, Sr. and mother of Norlisa Dillard-Banks, Nicole Dillard and Niles Dillard. The Celebration of Life will be held at Blueridge Global Methodist Church (2929 Reed Road, Houston, 77051) on Saturday, May 4th at 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. (viewing) and 11:00 a.m. (funeral
service).