Velma Jewel McHorse was born on May 7, 1940, in Van Alstyne, Texas. She graduated from high school in McKinney, Texas before marrying Raymond Delloyd Nelson. Together they hit the skies and the roads as Velma became a pilot and they cruised in their Thunderbird. Along with these adventures, they welcomed a son and daughter into their family. Velma beautifully balanced her family and career as she served as the Vice President of Republic Title. After retiring, she began a second career as the Office Manager for Legacy Drive / Parkway Hills Baptist Preschool, which was truly one of her life joys. There, her coworkers became family and five of her grandchildren learned and played. Known as Baba by her grandchildren, this became her adopted name at preschool for years to come.
She enjoyed cross-stitching, painting, reading and most importantly, hosting family gatherings. Her flag cake, cornbread dressing, and macaroni and cheese recipes became classics that will be eaten at many family tables for years to come. Having lost her first husband, Velma and Samuel Raymond McHorse married in 1999. Together they enjoyed travels to Greece, the Christmas markets along the Danube, Gatlinburg, and taking grandkids to Colorado and Washington, DC. She was a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano and upon moving to Longview, joined Mobberly Baptist Church and the Friends Connect Group.
On Wednesday, November 22, 2023, she peacefully entered the presence of the Lord as the lyrics “come to Jesus and live” played. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ray Nelson; her mother, Eula Mae Bloodworth; and sister, Martha Welch. She is survived by her husband, Samuel McHorse of Longview, Texas; son, Bryan and Courtney Nelson of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Cheryl and Scott Schulik of Longview, Texas; Sam’s son, Gary and Kelly McHorse of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Lyn and Johnny Cole of San Antonio, Texas; ten grandchildren, Josh Schulik, Rachel Green, Hannah Kannady, Nigel Nelson, Trevor Nelson, Brian McHorse, Austin McHorse, Colton McHorse, Adam Cole, and Marli Cole; her sister, Alta Mae Whitley; along with nieces, Nancy and Annette; and her nephew, Theron.
Visitation will take place at Rader Funeral Home on Thursday, November 30 from 5-6:30 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 noon, Friday, December 1, 2023 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park. The service will be livestreamed at https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/velma-jewel-mchorse. After the service, the recorded livestream will be available at the same link location.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Mobberly Baptist Church – Adult Special Ministries or the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance of Longview, Texas.