Velma Lee Barnes Reding, 92, born in McKinney, TX, went home to the Lord on August 1, 2018. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband W. B. "Chip" Reding, brothers C.J. Barnes and Gene Barnes, and sister Mary Martin. She is survived by her three daughters – Donna Chapman of Cabot, AR, Linda Schmall (husband Robert) of Arlington, TN, and Janis Mooney of Knoxville, TN; two grandchildren – Melanye Weir of Cabot, AR and Jace Chapman of Kingwood, TX; five great-grandchildren – SSgt Joshua Wilson (wife Hannah), Kyle Wilson, Christian Weir, Hayden Chapman and Lauren Chapman; two grate-great-grandchildren – Addison Wilson and Jaxson Wilson; and her brother Sammie C. Barnes.

Velma was orphaned at age 9 and went to live at the Buckner Orphans Home in Dallas, TX. She attended school and most importantly attended church there, becoming a Christian at age 11.  She lived at Buckner until she graduated from high school, then went to San Diego, CA, to live with an aunt and uncle.  There she met the love of her life, naval aviator "Chip" Reding. They married March 25, 1945, in Melbourne, FL.  She liked to say " God gave m a Christian husband when I was too young to know what I needed."

A homemaker and a military wife, she began teaching Sunday School and signing in the church choir when she was 19 and continued to do so for more than 66 years.  A member of Millington First Baptist Church for 55 years, she was faithful in Women on Mission, the First Tuesday program, and the FAITH ministry. She was devoted to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her beloved husband, and her family.  Generosity and kindness to others were the hallmarks of her life.  As one person who benefited from her generosity put it, "She was a bright light and one of the most caring souls I was blessed to know."

Services will be held at Millington First Baptist Church on Monday, August 6 ; visitation is 10:00 AM to noon with the funeral immediately afterward. Donations to honor Velma Reding can be made to the Harvest Fund of MFBC or to Buckner International.