Velma A. Sowerby

 Velma Alderman Sowerby died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91 on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

 Velma was born to Arthur and Grace Alderman on December 10, 1933, in Valrico, Florida, and spent her childhood years in and around the Tampa area. After graduating from Tampa’s Hillsborough High School, she attended the University of Florida where she was a majorette in the marching band. While still in school at UF, Velma met and married George Sowerby II.

 George soon took this Florida gal out of state to attend seminary in Virginia, followed by a couple of years of pastoring in coastal Carolina. However, it was not long before they returned to Florida to start a church in New Port Richey, Florida. In 1968 they were called to pastor Indian River Presbyterian church in Fort Pierce, Florida.

 Velma’s husband George died in 1979. She was also preceded in death by two older sisters, Evelyn and Helen. Velma is survived by her sister Marion Thomas of Ocala, Florida, and her brother Arthur Alderman and his wife Sarah of Steinhatchee, Florida.

 Velma is also survived by her three sons: David and his wife Cindy, Van and his wife Amy, and Roy, as well as five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

 Velma was a great encourager, a woman of unwavering faith. She was extremely sweet with the occasional flash of feisty. Velma is greatly loved by all who knew her.

 Services: A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM with a service to follow at 4:30 PM at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce. There will also be a graveside ceremony in Franklin North Carolina at a time and date yet to be determined.