Velma Callaway Stone

Mrs. Stone was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Richard Stone, a daughter, Katherine Stone and a grandson, Ryan Berry. She was an active member of her community and her church for many years. Velma was a lifelong member of Melton’s Chapel United Methodist Church and held many positions within the church such as Sunday-school teacher and chairperson of the Parsonage Committee. She was an active member of the Women’s Circle and an avid participant in special activities sponsored by the church. Mrs. Stone was a farmer’s wife for much of her life. She and her late husband, Richard Stone was awarded Farm Family of the Year for the district in 1972. She was a business owner in Baxley and operated Renee’s for three and half years. Later in life, she worked at Plant Hatch as a cook in the cafeteria and later as the Food Service Director at Baxley Wilderness Institute where she was a motherly figure to the boys as well as the staff. Mrs. Stone had numerous accomplishments in her life. In 1992, she obtained her GED and in 1991 she was awarded Employee of the Year by Baxley Wilderness Institute for her commitment and loyalty. She devoted her life to her family. Her strong will and unconditional love have bound the family together and led them through life’s adversaries with unwavering conviction of God’s grace and the importance of family. Velma will be sorely missed by family and friends and she will always be loved.

Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Alfredo Suarez of Macon, Brenda and Rick Berry of Tifton and Lynnette and Norman Moseley of Jesup; three sons and daughters-in-law, R. L. and Diane Stone and Mickey and Gay Stone, all of Baxley and Stanley and Joan Stone of Vidalia; one sister, Sue Murphy of Baxley and one brother, James Callaway of Fairburn; 12 grandchildren, several step-grandchildren and numerus great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7 at Swain Funeral Home with the Revs. Karen Zeigler, Bernie Khaw, and Ricky Rushing officiating. Eulogy was given by Vicki Swearingen. Interment followed in Melton’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Scotty Stone, Brandon Stone, Colby Mayers, Andrew Suarez, Blake Stone, Christopher Berry, Eli Stone, Katie Mayers, Maddy Lezert, Benjamin Berry, Neisha Richard and Autumn Richard.

Honorary pallbearers were members of Melton’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

Remembrances may be made to Melton’s Chapel Building Fund c/o of Betty Sellers, 4178 Altamaha Church Road, Baxley, GA 31513.

Musical selections were rendered by Floyd Hunter and David Williams.

Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.