Dates
Velma Jean Rose Walker (Nanny), 84, of San Angelo, TX , passed away on October 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at home. She was born August 6, 1941, in Irion County Texas, on a farm. Velma was born five minutes after her twin sister, Thelma, making her the youngest of seven siblings. She was born to the late Wesley and Jennie Rose. Velma was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and friend whose memory will forever be cherished.
Velma completed her education up to the 6th grade and was married at the young age of 14. Velma married Johnny Walker in 1955, and they were married for 37 years. They had two children together: Delores Riojas and Dwain Walker of San Angelo, TX. Velma later started a beautiful life with Tommy Watson, and in their 11 years together, they have spent every day and night by each other’s side. Tommy and Velma loved to go fishing together. They wanted to travel more, but instead, they bought a place in Oklahoma and enjoyed life there for a while before moving back to San Angelo.
Velma was a hard worker and did what it took to get the job done. Two of her most memorable careers were 11 years at Ethicon in San Angelo, TX, and San Angelo State Supported Living Center, where she retired as a caregiver after 17 years. She took care of her patients like they were her family, and they all listened to her because they knew she meant business. They all loved her there!
Velma loved her family and having gatherings, and she loved helping anyone that needed a hand. She was famous for her chicken-fried steaks and fried potatoes; all made in a cast iron skillet. Everyone looked forward to her chocolate sheet cakes on the Fourth of July and her famous carrot cake. She made the best potato salad with sweet relish, even though her twin sister liked it better with dill. For Christmas, she would always make mounds of candy balls to share with her family. She made sure your plate was full and you had to have a glass of sweet tea. Velma loved decorating for Halloween and Christmas; the joy the holidays brought her was unmatched. She made sure her grandchildren were getting the gifts they wanted no matter what it took. Velma loved to go dancing and have a good time; she’d drag you on the dance floor willing or not and occasionally dance on a table or two. For years, she always made sure to have her hair and nails done. Velma lived life! It was precious how she called everyone sugar, “love you sugar, ok sugar.” Velma made her mark in all that knew her.
Velma is survived by her beloved soul mate, Tommy Watson; her children, Delores and husband Thomas Riojas, Dwain and wife Sheralyn Walker; grandchildren, Weldon Clark, Jason and wife Joy Walker, Amy and husband Aaron Busby, Travis Walker, Angel and husband Wesley Russell, Tommie and wife Jennifer Riojas, Kayla and husband Billy Huffman; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Jordyn, Paige, Dylan, Taylor, Jayme, Jaxson, Cole, Brydan, Bryson, Lexie and one great-great- grandchild Mina; sisters, Rosie Fuson, Jeannie ‘Earlene’ Foster, Thelma Nalley; lots of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Jennie Rose; brothers, Marvin Rose, Melvin Rose, William Rose; sisters, Lillian Wright, Myrtle Zipper.
The family wants to express a special thank you to Elizabeth. You’re more than just a neighbor; you’re family.
Graveside Services will be on Tuesday November 4th, 2025, 11 am at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo, TX with Pastor Jay Johnson officiating, under the direction of Harper Funeral Home.