Velma Fitzman Boddie's Obituary
Velma Fitzman Boddie
Velma Fitzman Boddie, a resident of Tacoma, Washington since 1962, peacefully passed away on December 21, 2011 after a prolonged illness. Velma was born on March 1, 1936 in Metter, Georgia, and was the only child of Lucy Miller Fitzman and Artis Fitzman. While attending the famed Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, she met and later married Algeron Owen Boddie and accompanied the young Air Force Officer on his first tour of duty in Chaz, France, and later to McChord AFB, Washington. Velma did not let marriage life and traveling activities interfere with her education; she received her Bachelor's degree from Tuskegee, and later a degree in Business Administration. Velma applied the knowledge and skills she acquired from her formal education and military travels towards successful social services community-based projects. This led to, among other things, the Tacoma Links being awarded the first nation wide grant for free screening of the Sickle Cell trait. Velma also used her business acumen to assist her husband with their much acclaimed construction company while serving as it's Vice President of their family-owned business. Additionally, Shiloh Baptist Church recognized Velma as one of it's 2011 Women of Distinction Awards. Velma leaves in mourning her much beloved husband of fifty-eight years, Algeron Owens Boddie, and a host of friends. A Gathering of Friends and Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Velma will be held from 2:00-3:00 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Shiloh Baptist Church, 1211 South "I" Street in Tacoma, Washington. Refreshments will be served afterwards (also at Shiloh).
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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