Velma Jean Blankinship Woodall
Services for Mrs. Velma Blankinship Woodall of Ruston, will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Grace United Methodist Church in Ruston. Visitation is to be observed from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m. followed by burial at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, all officiated by Joey Anderson and Kevin Smith.
Our precious Velma was born on October 17,1931, near Stamps, Arkansas to Dutch and Estella Blankinship. She was blessed to celebrate her 90th birthday this year.
She passed into heaven to join her husband, Cliff, on November 1, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. Being raised on a farm from humble means, Velma learned a strong work ethic and the importance of Christian values that would be the basis of her character throughout her life. She knew that she wanted to begin a career as a teacher and attended Henderson College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where she met the love of her life, Clifton Harmon Woodall.
They married on August 26,1952, and shared 68 years together until his death earlier this year. At the beginning of their marriage, they moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas where Velma began a teaching career as Cliff pursued his Master’s degree. A new chapter of life began in 1962 when she and Cliff became the sole proprietors of Woodall’s Furniture Store.
They were not only business owners, but they welcomed their community as friends and family into their “home” at Woodall’s Furniture Gallery for 58 years. Each customer was honored with integrity. Success in life was not based on accolades of the world, though there were many, but humbly based on her relationships with others and her dedication to God, her family, church, and community.
She faithfully served in many capacities at Grace United Methodist Church. Even after becoming homebound, she continued her service through encouraging cards, notes, calls and texts until her death. Velma sought to share Jesus with her heart of service as well as showing grace, mercy, and love to all.
Those left to cherish her memory include her adopted sister, Evonne Cearley; adopted children, Rebecca Cearley Cook, Clay Cook, Theresa Cearley Christian, Charles Clifton Cearley; great nephew, Dustin Self; niece, Mary Ann Cowling and numerous great nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
Bill Brown, Buddy Burnham, Alexander Christian, John Micah Christian, Clay Cook and Jess Cook will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Zack Bennett, Bob Bryant, Clifton Cearley, Ronny Karriker and Dustin Self.
Mrs. Woodall’s family would like to thank all of the loyal friends and extended family for the love and prayers exhibited during this time of loss and sweet celebration of Velma’s precious life.
Memorials may be donated to American Heart Association, St. Jude’s, Grace United Methodist Church in Ruston, or donor’s charity of choice.
