Velma J. John

Mrs. Velma Ju-Taun John transitioned to be with the Lord on June 10, 2024. She was a woman of many talents and will be lovingly remembered as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, friend to many, book lover, music lover, artist, and poet.

Velma often reminded us that she was an Aquarius, embodying the unselfish, independent, creative, and friendly traits of her zodiac sign. Born on February 5, 1953, in Jackson, Mississippi, she was affectionately raised by her mother, Aberdeen Anderson, who gifted her with the middle name Ju-Taun. Of Velma’s four middle and sacramental names, she connected most with Ju-Taun, inspired by the French term of endearment “Je t’aime.” This was fitting, as Velma’s legacy will be the boundless love she poured into her family, shaping them into who they are today.

Her Catholic upbringing at Holy Ghost Catholic Church and School in Jackson instilled in her a deep and enduring faith. Velma attended Holy Ghost from first grade through most of high school. Although she did not graduate from Holy Ghost — she graduated instead from Provine High School in 1971 due to school integration — she always carried the spirit of her beloved Catholic school in her heart.

While studying Journalism at the University of Southern Mississippi, Velma met Larry John, a tall, quiet young man destined to be a U.S. Army Engineer. After college, Velma and Larry embarked on a global adventure together, raising a family in Mississippi, Virginia, Germany, Missouri, and Texas. As the ultimate officer’s wife, Velma performed her duties with elegance and the utmost etiquette, from handwriting invitations at the White House for holiday parties to hosting teas and events for other wives and military families. She was devoted to passing on her skills to her daughters, which she did.

Velma was a woman of many talents and interests. She spoke French and attempted to teach her family the language. In retirement, she sketched wildlife and her favorite flowers, took up watercolors, and loved traveling with her family, especially on Caribbean cruises with her daughters. As a writer and poet, she memorialized family milestones with original poetry, giving a gift that will last a lifetime.

She loved music, especially rock. Despite meeting a young Michael Jackson as a teen, her favorite artists were David Bowie and Prince. One of her fondest memories was celebrating her birthday in Phoenix with her daughters while David Bowie sang one of her favorite songs, Heroes, in his Chuck Taylors. She also had the joy of seeing Prince perform in Europe, marveling at his excellence as a performer.

An avid reader and researcher, Velma found her professional calling in a nearly 20-year career working in public and university libraries connecting people with books. She cherished her roles at the College Station Public Library, Texas A&M’s Evans Library, and the Texas A&M Medical Sciences Library, where she sourced rare books and journal articles for veterinary and medical student research. Not only did she find joy in serving the students, she also valued her co-workers who affectionately called their group “the Players Club.”

Velma’s family was the greatest love of her life, as evidenced by her annual Christmas letters detailing the adventures of her daughters, Desiree and Natasha, and later their families. She took pride in knowing that she gave Desiree and Natasha the tools they needed to become mothers and a seasoned corporate demand planning analyst and environmental attorney, respectively. She took immense pride in her sons-in-love, Anthony and Jon, often showcasing their career and entrepreneurial moves in her letters. Finally, she cherished her grandchildren, Kelsey and Lucas, who fondly called her Gigi. She made it a priority to be Kelsey’s and Lucas’s Number One fan, supporting their school and athletic achievements at every opportunity.

Velma is survived by her husband, Larry John; daughters, Desiree John Kelly Lotten (Anthony Lotten) and Natasha Martin (Jon Martin); her brother, Anthony Anderson; her cousin, Mary Boyd, who was like a sister to her; her grandchildren, Kelsey Kelly and Lucas Martin; her niece, Ada Manning; and a large circle of family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Aberdeen Anderson, her grandparents, Elizabeth and Booth Byrd, and other cherished family members.

May our hearts be comforted by the full and loving life Velma lived. Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew her.

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