Velma May Borders

Velma May Borders, daughter of William and Bertha Sizemore Sears, was born November 18, 1933, in Warren County, Missouri, and departed this life on Monday, September 27, 2021, at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mountain Grove, Missouri, with her family by her side, at the age of eighty-seven years, ten months, and nine days.

She was united in marriage to Lee Borders on August 11, 1954, and to this union 4 sons were born. Lee preceded her in death on February 7, 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents and 15 brothers and sisters.

Velma is survived by her sons, James Borders and wife, Deana, of Mansfield, Ed Borders and wife, Becky, of Ringwood, Oklahoma, Norman Borders and wife, Connie, of Mansfield, and Lloyd Borders of Mansfield; step-son, Delmer Borders and wife, Betty, of Rainer, Oregon; step-daughter, Darlene Graff and husband, Jerry, of Pasco, Washington; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

She was born in Warren County, Missouri, and raised in Seymour, Missouri. She worked at the Ken Ballew Hatchery in Mansfield until it closed and then was a cook at Mimosa Restaurant (later known as Little House Restaurant).

Velma made a profession of faith in Christ many years ago and was a member of Glad Hill Church where she had taught Sunday school.

In her spare time, she enjoyed canning, gardening, sewing, going out to eat and just being on the go somewhere.

But the focus of her life was HER FAMILY! She loved all her kids and grandkids and was the peacemaker when times got out of hand and could give tough love if the situation called for it.

Velma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and a person who truly cared about other people. We celebrate her long life and will always cherish the many great and fun times we had together.