Velma Conner

June 5, 1948 - February 4, 2021

Velma “Ma” Grove Conner, age 72, native and longtime resident of Richlands, Virginia went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Velma was born on June 5, 1948 in Richlands, Virginia to the late Dennis and Virginia “Gee” Johnson Grove. She was a lifelong resident of the area and was a member of the Richlands First United Methodist Church. Velma was the owner of Adam & Eve clothing store for many years in the Richlands community. She then managed Radio Shack/Big Blue Photo, where she had many “sons” that worked with her. She was the first woman president of the Richlands Chamber of Commerce and the 1995 recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award. She loved her community and the region and was extremely proud to be a native of Richlands. She truly enjoyed working in her flowers and she was a several time recipient of the Richlands Garden Club Beautification Award. Velma had a fiery passion for her family. She loved playing golf, reading a good book, and spoiling her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sandy Pruitt. Those that remain to carry on her spirit include her husband of 46 years, Richard Lee Conner; Daughter, Tina Whited and husband, Todd of Cedar Bluff, Virginia; Grandchildren, Courtney Conner Stringer and husband, Chad, Hayleigh Peyton Whited, and Hayden Brett Whited. Great Grandchildren, Brady Stringer, Bree Stringer, and soon to be born great grandchild, Conner Bret Stringer. Beloved Dog, Bella Leigh; Sisters, Patricia Rickey of Richmond, Virginia and Brenda Brakefield of Pounding Mill, Virginia; Brother, Ronnie Grove and wife, Judy of Richlands, Virginia; “Adopted son”, Jim Tatum of Lebanon, Virginia; Special friend, Lexi Phillips of Castlewood, Virginia; She is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. The family would like to extend a sincere gratitude of appreciation to Richlands Home Care and Legacy Hospice. Funeral services for Velma Grove Conner will be conducted at 2 PM on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia with Reverend Rick Blevins officiating. Entombment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Claypool Hill, Virginia. Pallbearers will be John Willis, Darrell Harman, Chad Barnette, Dustin Edwards, Aaron Bostic, and Ethan Phipps. The family will receive friends from noon on Sunday until the time of the service. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home of Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy may do so online at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.