Velma Irvin Templeton

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, Velma Irvin Templeton, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 31, 2017. Age 79 years. She was born on February 8, 1938 in Hayti, Missouri to Willie B. and Laurence M. Irvin.

Velma was a resident of Flint, Michigan. She was a graduate of Saginaw High School, Class of 1956. She married Ausie James Templeton and enjoyed 29 years of marital bliss until his passing. Velma was a faithful employee of Michigan Bell/Ameritech, retiring in 1995 after twenty-seven years of service. She accepted Christ at an early age. In the 50’s, Velma was a member of the first local all-girls African American gospel group known as the Gospelettes. She also served under the leadership of the late Reverend Herbert B. Dixon, Sr. of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Flint, Michigan, for over thirty-nine years. Later she moved her membership to New Beginnings Christian Church under the leadership of Reverend Willie F. Casey. Velma sang on the Praise Team. She loved to sing, travel, dine out and go to hear quartet singing. She had a knack for buying unique hats and shoes. Velma was loved and adored by family and friends.

She leaves to cherish loving memories one daughter, Michele Little, Saginaw, Michigan; three sons, Michael Duane Barnes, Federal Way, Washington, Derrick Andre (Jacqueline) Barnes, Dover, Delaware, and Marlin James Templeton, (Constantia Williams) Flint, Michigan ; two step-children, Laura Irvis, Houston, Texas, Edlen Pope, Flint, Michigan; seven grandchildren, Anthony T. Barnes (Tamiko Martin), Amara Barnes, Federal Way, Washington, Carlis E. Barnes, Saginaw, Michigan, Brandon J. Barnes, Dover, Delaware, Troix Nance, Georgia, Michael Harris, Atlanta, Georgia, Chania Williams, Flint, Michigan, Cameron Bradley, Flint, Michigan; fourteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Willie Sr. (Frances) Irvin; many nieces; special nieces, Deborah Templeton, Lucille Webb, Frances Irvin, Wenono (Jerome) Vaugh, Debra (Chris) Walker, Alicia (Fred) Carter, Anise (Andrew) Ankrah, Pamela (Silas) Brazil, Middy Long Templeton, ; many nephews, special nephews, Willie Jr. (Jacqueline) Irvin, Freddie, Ruben Jr. (Doris) and Larry Jr. (Chartny) Irvin, Marlin Hughes, Marcus Bates, Kensil Webb, Roger, Anthony, and Andre Lyle; many cousins; special cousin, Clinton Henderson; four sisters-in-law, Ruby Lyle, Loistine, Frances and Hazel Irvin; one brother-in-law, Sammie Templeton, Sr., Saginaw, Michigan; many other relatives and friends; special friends, Mary Jones, Blanche “Cookie”, Betty Collins, Rosa Conway and two of the original Gospelettes, Brooksie Fentress and sister, Virginia Ann Maple.

Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Ausie James Templeton; parents, Willie B. and Laurence M. Irvin; daughter, Adrienne Jean Barnes; granddaughter, Rashawn Barnes; great-granddaughter, Danyelle Barnes-Jones; three sisters, Cornelous and Glennie Irvin, Doris Jean Webb; three brothers, Clarence, Ruben and Larry D. Irvin; one niece, Tonia Moxley; one nephew, Calvin Webb; one son-in-law, Lovell Little.