Velma Marie Harman

May 8, 1938 - January 20, 2022

Bluefield, WV – Velma Marie Harman (Harp) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday January 20, 2022 after a short illness. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Doug Harman, her sons Jeff Harman (Marion Taylor Harman) of Salisbury, NC, and Keith Harman of New York, NY, her grandchildren Jeffery Harman, Jr., and her twin granddaughters Kristen Harman and Megan Harman. Velma was well known in the community having taught at Memorial Elementary and Bluefield Middle School for 37 years. She was a highly regarded teacher and was privileged to teach hundreds of students over her career who still fondly remember her passion and excellence. Many still consider her the best teacher they ever had. She was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church and Circle #1 and participated in many different activities to support the Church community. She was regarded as a quiet Christian and helped many women and families discreetly behind the scenes. Many people have reached out since her illness to reflect on her many acts of service in the community and her many acts of kindness in helping others which she was always pleased to do. Velma was born on May 8, 1938 to Ashby and Hazel Harp. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her siblings Colleen, Gerald and Shirley. She is survived by one remaining sister, Jean Rowe of Rowe, VA and a large number of nieces and nephews around the area. Besides her family, her passion was education. She was valedictorian of Garden High in 1956 and went on to finish multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees at Bluefield State and Radford College while raising her family. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends and by her church community which she actively loved. She was a wonderful wife and mother, an amazing cook. She left this life knowing she was loved and making sure that those left behind knew the same. A Celebration of Velma’s life will be held Monday January 24, 2022 at Trinity United Methodist Church 12:00 noon with Rev. Brent Brown Officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time Monday in Asbury Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church. There will be a memory basket available for memories and comments for the family to keep. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory of Bluefield is serving the family of Velma Harman.