Velma Johnson Thurman was born on July 14, 1938 in Ruleville, Mississippi to the late Bob and Ethel Johnson. She accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she remained an active member until she moved to Louisville, Kentucky. It was here that she met and married Willie James Thurman (deceased) in 1958, and four children were raised from this union.

She has been a member of Mount Zion Baptist, York Street Baptist and lastly Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she was an active, faithful and dependable servant.

She retired from National Tobacco Company, formerly Lorillard Tobacco Company, in 2001 after 43 years of service. Velma enjoyed bowling, cooking, music, playing cards and watching sports, especially University of Louisville Cardinal basketball.

On Friday, August 5, 2022, Velma Thurman departed this life. She leaves to cherish her memory her four children, Gregory Thurman (Deborah) from Fort Belvoir, VA, Vivian Thurman, Anthony Thurman (Trina), and Robert Thurman (Lisa); one brother, Dan Johnson (Bea); one sister, Mary Moxley, and sister-in-law, Nancy Johnson; 7 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, (3815 W Broadway). Her Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm on Thursday, at Emmanuel Baptist Church with burial to follow at Green Meadows Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.