Velda Parris Noel

Velda Parris Noel passed away Friday, February 26, 2010. Velda was born December 31, 1920 in Kingsport and moved away at an early age to Birmingham, AL. She returned to Maces Springs, VA, at age ten, and later moved back to Kingsport. Velda graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High in 1937 at the age of 16, and also attended ETSU.

Velda began her career at age fourteen at S.H. Kress; she was an accountant for Jordon Jewelers and the Jewel Box and later an accountant for Bennett & Edwards Ins. and the Kingsport Times-News. She retired in 1992 from Ridgefields Country Club, having served as the club's office manager for 25 years. Velda was a member in past years of the Kingsport Citizen's Advisory. Velda had been a member of the Business and Professional Women BPW of Kingsport for the past 68 years. She served as the club President, Treasurer, Secretary, and in various other positions. She also held state positions of District Director and Regional Director several times. The BPW was instrumental in organizing the Kingsport Girls Club Inc. She was elected as Woman of the Year for BPW. Velda was a member of the Kingsport Insurance Women, The American Culinary Federation and the Altrusa Society, serving in the office of President and Treasury positions. She was a member of the VFW and the American Legion Post.

Velda was a member of First Broad St. United Methodist Church. She was loved for being honest, kind, gracious, and generous to all.

Velda was preceded in death by her husband, Luther B. Noel; a son, Luther B., Jr.; her parents, Mattie and Francis Parris; and two sisters, Frances Parker and Barbara Hall.

Surviving are three daughters, Peggy Hammock and husband Jim of Boca Raton, Florida, Judy Bowery and husband Willard of Kingsport, Nanci Smith and husband Roger of Danielsville, GA; three sons, Wayne Noel and wife Susie of Kingsport, Mike Noel and wife Lynn of Nashville, TN, and Steve Noel and wife Tanya of Kingsport; one sister, Juanita Bridwell and husband Charles of Kingsport.

Velda was affectionately known as "Baggi" to her 13 grandchildren, Donna and Andy Hammock; Stephen and David Bowery; Terry, Mike and Thomas Noel; Bryan, Mason, Rebecca and Lynnleigh Noel; Kristie Collins Alewine and Nick Noel; also 12 great-grandchildren, Christian, Conner and Colin Hammock; Sterling, Brittany, Garrett and Grace Bowery; Josh, Terrance, Tyler and Bryce Alewine; and Rachel Griggs. She is also survived by special niece, Linda Murphy, along with other loved nieces, nephews and dear friendsa€"and her faithful dog Polly.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Amedisys Hospice.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Hamlet-Dobson Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Girls Incorporated of Kingsport, Administrative Office, 1100 Girls Place, Kingsport, TN 37660.