Velma N. (Simmons) Lawrence

     Velma Simmons Lawrence, 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Bennett Hills Care Center in Gooding, Idaho, surrounded by her family and friends.

     Velma was born on February 3, 1928 in Stoddard County, Missouri.  She was raised and educated in Randles, Missouri.  On March 31, 1945, she married John J Lawrence, one of the boys from the next farm over. They were married in Bell City, Missouri.  She spent her early married years in Missouri where Janet and Sharon were born.  In 1951, John, Velma, Janet and Sharon moved to Idaho.  In Idaho, they had 2 more daughters, Kathy and Linda. 

      John and Velma were part of a band.  They both played guitars by ear and sang country music.   They played in local bars and for many dances. There was a jam session taking place on many weekends in their home.

     After living in many places, John and Velma made their final home in Gooding, Idaho.  They lived on a farm where Velma was a homemaker and farm wife.  Velma always had a big garden, raised chickens and fed the pigs.  She was always canning or freezing her fruits and vegetables.  She slaughtered and cut up chickens for many years.  She was a great cook and enjoyed feeding whoever was at the house at mealtime.  Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy and she treasured her time with all of them.

      She is survived by her children: Sharon Braga, Kathy (Rick) Lehr and Linda (Randy) Norris; 1 Son-in-law: Bill Hartman;  Grandkids: John (Becky) Hartman, Darci (Brian) Hollingsworth, Derek (Melissa) Hartman, Tobey Braga, Cory (Samantha) Rodriguez, Teri (Gabe) Jones, Jordon (Ryan) Chesler and Kelsey Norris; 18 great grandkids: Saige (Don), Brady (Lexi); Olivia, Emma, JJ, Spencer; William, Ainsley; Blake, Aivry, Sydney; Dayton, Kyle, Dillon, Kennedy, Piper; JJ, Logan; 1 great great grandson Trae; and her special friend Julia Spackman, who called Velma every night at 7:00 pm for the last few years.

     She was preceded in death by husband, John J Lawrence; Daughter Janet Hartman; 2 grandsons; Brothers: Earnest, Dale and Lloyd Simmons; Sister: Ora Lawrence, Twin Sister Thelma (Cricket) McDaniel and Faye; Special Companion Gordon Graham. 

     Velma was strong and the last of her generation on her and John’s side of the family and all her friends.  She will be greatly missed.

     A visitation will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Demaray’s Funeral Chapel, 737 Main Street in Gooding.

     Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August, 12, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Gooding First Christian Church, 334 4th Ave West, Gooding.

     Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery immediately following the service.

     Our family and friends would like to thank the staff for the love and care that was shown to Mom at Bennett Hills.  You treated Mom and her loved ones so well at all times.  Our family will be forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: 

Bennett Hills Care Center, 1220 Montana St., Gooding, Idaho 83330 

in honor of Velma or the charity of your choice. 

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