Velma Iris Jefferson, 94, of Ray City died Sunday May 1, 2016 in the Langdale Hospice House.

She was born May 25, 1921 in Berrien County to the late Willie Westberry Wood and the late Viola Mathis Wood. She was a homemaker, was employed with Oberman's Manufacturing in Valdosta and for a number of years along with her husband owned and operated Jefferson Grocery Store. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ray City and the Widow of Eliba Jefferson who died in 1980. She is also preceded in death by son: James W. Jefferson; 2 sisters: Willene Hunter and Mary Nell Bland; brother: George Harvey Wood; 2 grandchildren: Heather Philyaw Helms and Suzonne Jefferson; and 2 son-in-laws: Ray Philyaw and Carlton Garner.

She is survived by 4 daughters: Gwen Philyaw of Snellville, Marjorie (Elliot) Garner of Ray City, Barbara (Harry) Blasingame of Valdosta, and Deborah (Jerome ) Dees of Nashville; sister: Helen Clements of Lakeland; sister-in-law: Pat Wood Hunter of Lakeland; 6 grandchildren: Richard Blasingame of Marietta, Tiffany (Ed) Falgout of Cobden, IL, Paige (Clint) Limbo of Buford, Lisa (Gary) Beasley of Goldsboro, NC, Bill Garner of Ray City and Libby (Allon) Boatright of Valdosta; 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday May 4, 2016 at 2 PM in the First Baptist Church of Ray City with the Rev. Robbie Peay officiating. Interment will follow in Beaver Dam Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 PM in the funeral home.