Velma Hill Bunn
- Born Nov. 28, 1930
- Died Feb. 3, 2017
- Married Bardin Jefferson "B.J." Bunn Jr. on Nov. 4, 1950
Velma Hill Bunn
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| Velma's children with "B.J." Bunn Jr. |
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| Sandra Diane Bunn Lucas |
| Sandra "Sandi" Ann Bunn Boswell |
| Sherry Lynn Bunn June 26, 1958 Wilson, NC-Feb. 8, 2023 Middlesex, NC |
| Betty Jo Bunn Davis |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Velma Hill Bunn, Tempy Ann Branch, daughter of James Clarence and Mary Ella Renfrow Hill, was born at home on Nov. 28, 1930.
She had black hair and brown eyes. Her great-grandmother, Delaney Catherine Sasser Stancil, had brown eyes too.
She grew up in a large two-story white house with a large front porch and a triple fireplace.
Velma walked to the Presbyterian Sunday school. Velma grew up working in the neighborhood, helping in tobacco and picking cotton.
Velma learned to quilt and crochet. She gave her mother an afghan she made. She also had a talent for cutting, styling, and perming hair, a gift she shared with her sisters.
Velma met Bardin Jefferson "B. J." Bunn Jr. when she was 17. He was an Army veteran who had served in Germany during WWII. A friend at Neb Renfrow’s store, near Moore’s School House, introduced them. Neb had a jukebox, and his store was the neighborhood gathering and dancing place. Neb was the one who taught Velma to jigger bug. B.J. was the son of Martha Ethel and Bardin J. Bunn Sr. He grew up in the Rock Ridge community in Wilson County. He and Velma began dating.
Velma graduated from Glendale High School on June 6, 1949.
Velma and B.J. were married in the afternoon of Nov. 4, 1950, by B.J.’s uncle, Preacher Herndan Boykin, at his home.
Velma and B.J. joined Marsh Swamp Original Free Will Baptist Church in Sims, NC.
Velma was a good cook. Her biscuits were delicious. She baked biscuits for each meal.
Velma taught herself to sew and became a talented seamstress. She had one of the early electric sewing machines. She sewed for her daughters. Velma was a caregiver for her mother-in-law, Martha Ethel Bunn, for five years.
A few years later, when her mother, Ella, needed care, Velma visited frequently, giving her loving care.
B.J. retired in 1989. Velma and B.J. went on their dream vacation trip that lasted 25 days. They traveled from North Carolina to California and back, visiting many landmarks.
B.J. researched his family genealogy. Velma accompanied him as he visited cemeteries, recording vital information. He put his research in a book. A copy is in the Braswell Library in Rocky Mount, N.C.
B.J. died on July 27, 2006. He and Velma had been married 55 years. He is buried in Marsh Swamp Original Free Will Baptist Church.
Velma liked flowers and had one of those rare, old-fashioned pink rose bushes that hummingbirds loved. Her indoor tabby cat, ‘Kitty’, loved to sit in the window, watching the birds.
Velma was a survivor. Over the years, she overcame a number of medical problems, including lymphoma.
Velma’s 80th birthday was special. It was celebrated with dinner for the entire family at Parker's Barbecue in Wilson.
Velma died at 86 on Feb. 3, 2017. She is buried beside B.J. in the Marsh Swamp Original Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery.
Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Bardin Jefferson “B.J.” Bunn; sisters, Myrtie Hill Deans and Rachel Hill; granddaughter, Rhonda Lucas Harrington. Velma grew up in rural Johnston County. She was the youngest child of James Clarence Hill and Mary Ella Renfrow.
Velma was a cherished family member. She was surrounded by love. Her beautiful smile lit up a room. Her love made all feel special. She shared many childhood memories. She grew up in a family where hard work was valued and members looked out for each other. Velma left her family with a legacy of love.
Daughter Sherry Lynn Bunn died Feb. 8, 2023, in Middlesex. She is buried in Marsh Swamp Original Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery.