Velma Grimes Bryce

Velma Grimes Bryce left this earthly place to be with her Savior in her heavenly home on June 9, 2008, after a period of failing health. She was 94 years of age. Velma, born on Oct. 14, 1913 was the youngest daughter of Lena Hopson Grimes and William Iverson Grimes of the small community of Bald Hill, outside of Lufkin. She met her late husband, Homer Lee Bryce, community leader and businessman, while they both were attending Stephen F. Austin State College in Nacogdoches. He was the love of her life. The story goes that Homer spotted Velma walking across campus wearing a cute little red coat and just knew he had to meet her. Indeed, they did meet and marry and after a stint of teaching they decided to move to the promising town of Henderson to start a business and family. Together they owned and operated Bryce's Cafe', a popular eatery for 19 years on the courthouse square in downtown Henderson. Velma and Homer had three daughters; Jerry, Jane and Judy. Velma was the gold standard for being a wonderful and loving homemaker. Her family and home were her pride and joy and she worked tirelessly to be a Godly woman, "more precious than rubies." She loved sewing beautiful dresses for the girls and one would never find her without a project of some type of handwork in her basket. She also loved working in her yard and had mastered the art of growing roses, camellias and sweet peas. She especially enjoyed her success with hundreds of African Violets, which she nurtured throughout her home. Because of these hobbies, she enjoyed the camaraderie of the Sew Sew Club, the Henderson Garden Club, Henderson Women's Forum and Needle Art Club. Velma was also an avid reader, which went hand-in-hand with her scholarly study of the Bible for a Sunday School class at First Baptist Church. In support of learning, Homer and Velma along with family and friends, established the Homer and Velma Bryce Scholarship Endowment at Stephen F. Austin University. One of the treasures of her life was always her close circle of friends. Many afternoons were spent having four o'clock coffee with any one of her many friends visiting and exchanging recipes. This seraphic woman was a devoted and sweet friend who was not only willing to carry her own burdens, but those of her friends, as well. Even though she was wee-traveled, making trips to West Virginia, New York City and Europe, she always was happiest at home with her family. Her girls were truly her best friends in her later life. Those who knew Velma, knew her to be a strong woman with high principles and most importantly, a woman who loved the Lord. The following hosts of family and friends will forever sing her praises for the example she has left us all: daughters, Jerry Ann Bryce Blackwell and Mary Jane Bryce Wilhite of Henderson and Judy Lee Bryce McMillin of University Park, Texas; sons-in-law, the late Jimmy D. Blackwell, Michael T. Wilhite and James A. McMillin; grandchildren and their spouses, Tahsha and Aristotelis Trikilis, Blake and Karen Blackwell, Lee Ann and Andy Mills, Michael and Laurie Wilhite, Jennifer and Edwin Holt, Joanie and James Cooley; great-grandchildren, Brooke Ann Blackwell, Bryce Allen Blackwell, Andrew Harrison Mills, John Michael Mills, Mary Ann Frances Mills, Williams Solon Holt, James McMillin Holt, Homer Bryce Holt, Edwin Solon Holt III, James Harrison Cooley III and Charles Preston Cooley; niece Charlotte Monty; and nephews, Major Lou Harville and Dean Harville. Velma was preceded in death by her dear sisters and brothers: Ila Alexander, Rella Harville, Watson Grimes and Carl Grimes. We extend our deep gratitude to the sitters who lovingly cared for our mother as if she was a china doll; Arene Ware, Marretta Brown, Camella Key, Joyce Mitchell, Linda Jones, Claire Hutchings and Pam Clear. Simple words cannot express our depth of appreciation to our friends who cared for Mommy; her doctor Sandy Ladage and his wife Toinette, her physical therapist Arlene Acres and grandson Blake Blackwell. All were God's instruments in helping our precious Mommy to live as long as she did. In her final days, the nurses and aides of the Henderson Memorial Hospital fourth floor provided tender, loving care that was more than we could have ever asked for. We thank you all. The family will meet friends at the Bryce home at 1700 W. Main St. from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2008. A family graveside will be held Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at Lakewood Memorial Park with Dr. Sandford Ladage, Dr. Greg Johnson and Rev. Bill Tisdale officiating, Services are under the direction of the Rader Funeral Home of Henderson. Pallbearers will be Mike Wilhite, James McMillin, Andy Mills, Michael Wilhite, Blake Blackwell and Edwin Holt. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com and at Rader Funeral Home, 800 Kilgore Dr. in Henderson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Library Fund, West Main, Henderson, Texas 75652.

Velma Grimes Bryce

October 14, 1913 - June 9, 2008