Lavonde Athelma Velez

LaVonde Athelma Marlin Velez, age 90, of Water Valley, MS went to her forever home Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Yalobusha County Nursing Home in Water Valley, MS. One of fifteen children, she was born April 30, 1933, in Traverse City, MI to Orin and Dena Marlin. After marrying the love of her life, Carmelo Velez on January 16, 1952, they opened and ran a small restaurant where among the many dishes they offered, they focused on Spanish food. She later went to work for Simplicity Pattern Co. as a folder and then on to Industrial Coils doing line work where she would ultimately retire. Whenever she could find time from working and raising her own family, she loved the art of crocheting, a past time she graciously taught others. With the patience for teaching, she also taught ceramics classes in the basement of her home to small numbers of friends and family. Word searches and cooking were other endeavors she found great joy in doing, especially making her family favorite, Puerto Rican Turkey. As if all of those hobbies weren't enough, she found time to learn to play the Hawaiian guitar. But what brought her the greatest pleasure in her life was spending time with her grandchildren whom she loved .

A visitation will be held in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home at 12:30 PM , Wednesday July 12, 2023. A memorial service will be held in Niles Michigan at a later date.

LaVonde is survived by one daughter Diana Laird; one son, Carlos Antonio (Rose) Velez; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and four brothers, Bob Marlin, Jack Marlin, Jerry Marlin, Jim Marlin.

Along with her parents, LaVonde was predeceased by her husband of sixty-seven years, Carmelo Velez; one sister; and six brothers.