Velma Lois (McCord) Jarrett changed address to her Heavenly home on January 25, 2024 – surrounded by the loving embrace of her family. She was her family's yellow rose of Texas, steel magnolia, and strong, resilient oak tree -- providing deep roots and shade for many.

Born May 11, 1936, in Kingsville, TX, Velma was the first-born of Peggy Ruth (Mills) McCord and R.B. McCord and was followed by her brothers Bob, Jim, and Sid. Her early years were spent in Corpus Christi, TX where she enjoyed babysitting, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, and engaging in various tomboy activities with her brothers, often on her grandparent McCord's farm. In 1948, her father took a Tool & Diemakers position with General Electric at Hanford. The family moved west to join him in 1950. Velma managed the accounting books for the Economy Drug Store in Richland at age 14. That year, she accepted Jesus Christ into her life at a Youth for Christ meeting – a decision that positively altered the course of her life. In High School, Velma excelled at secretarial skills such as shorthand and typing. After graduating with honors from Columbia High School in 1954, Velma met the love of her life, Coy O. Jarrett, at a First Baptist Church of Richland Youth Group meeting. They married on April 15, 1955, and enjoyed 63 years together. Just a few months later, in August 1955, Velma's father was killed in an industrial accident at Hanford's 328 Building Machine Shop.

Velma and Coy moved to Michigan in 1955. Coy managed numerous Singer Sewing Machine stores across Michigan and Indiana. While in Michigan, Velma worked both for Kellogg's and Miles Laboratory as an Administrative Assistant and was a very engaged Cub Scout Leader, den mother, and PTA member for sons Ronald and Donald. The family moved back to the Tri-Cities, WA in 1962, at which time Velma was the Executive Assistant to Hanford's General Electric CEO.

Just prior to the birth of their third child, Peggy, Velma became a stay-at-home mother. In 1969, Coy and Velma welcomed their fourth child, Jimmy. In 1976, Velma obtained her life insurance license and joined Standard Insurance Company. In her first year, she became a member of the Million Dollar (sales) Roundtable and quickly gained a reputation as a savvy, principled business partner. In July 1990, she launched Jarrett Insurance Agency, where she focused on the long-term care and Medicare supplement market with tremendous impact over the next 35 years. Her many loyal clients noted how she explained policy options in a kind, competent, and compassionate manner. She sent cards to her customers and family for every life event and held her active insurance license until May 2023.

Velma joined Toastmasters in 1977 – winning numerous competitions, including the Humorous Speech Contest and Best Speech Evaluator in a Regional Contest spanning four states. In 1985 she became a Distinguished Toastmaster – a designation few attain. Her charisma, eloquence, quick wit, and humor made her speeches memorable. Velma was also a Life Underwriters Training Council Fellow, member of the Tri-Cities Life Underwriters National Association of Financial Advisors, serving as President 2009-2010; Kennewick Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Cities Estate Planning Council, Women Leaders Round Table, Charter Member of the Association of Health Insurance Agents, Board Member for the Benton Franklin Volunteer Center, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and Senior Health Insurance Benefit Advisors. Key awards included National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU) Quality Award and NALU Sales Achievement.

The First Baptist Church of Pasco was a cornerstone of Velma's life. She served as Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, secretary, nursery worker, and member of the choir, decorating, and hospitality committees, to name a few. She often hosted church special guests and youth groups into her home -- serving delicious home-cooked food with boisterous fun and laughter.

Though a self-proclaimed "Daddy's girl" in her youth, she devoted herself to caring for and enjoying her aging mother. What fun they had working together at Jarrett Insurance! Cooking meals together was a 3-generational activity. Velma's other hobbies included: Skating; tennis; reading (particularly health, financial, and political topics); cooking (homemade rolls, chicken and dumplings, cornbread dressing, fudge, divinity, sugar cookies and pies); canning; stock club; word search puzzles; and hosting large family gatherings. She often served home-cooked meals to 50 people in her home with little notice. She needed no excuse for a party, and happily decorated for every occasion. She particularly loved hosting annual Boat Race parties – where her homemade ice cream was legendary.

As a lifelong active learner, she took a holistic view of health long before it was popular. She calculated large sums correctly in her head well into her 80s – often using this skill to her advantage during cut-throat games of dominoes! An avid baseball and football fan, she loved cheering on her favorite baseball player, nephew R.B. McCord. She could always be found on the sidelines, enthusiastically ringing her loud cow bell!

Velma was a woman of deep faith and character. Faith, family, and friends were the hallmark of her life. A prayer warrior, she regularly prayed for people in-the-moment. Her prayers got results! Her well-worn, marked-up Bible was a silent testament to her vibrant relationship with God. She loved her family fiercely. From actively supporting her four children in all their pursuits, to playing a key role in her grandchildren's lives, family was a high priority. Whether it was driving the get-away car for her teenage boys, niece, and nephew on a hot summer's day as they launched water balloons onto innocent pedestrians; skipping with a young granddaughter; shuttling a grandson to batting cages; or babysitting her infant great-grandson to enable his new mom to return to work, Velma was love and fun in action.

The picture of poise and class, she was a gracious Southern lady whose dress was impeccable and whose hair was perpetually coiffed. Her lipstick, nail polish, purse and shoes always matched her outfit. She loved to laugh loudly and often. Many sought her wisdom born from her unwavering faith, practicality, intellect, and heart. Her radiant smile, sparkling blue eyes, caring heart, beautiful handwriting, unsolicited article clippings, and "joke of the day" phone calls will be sorely missed. She was so loving; so lovely; so loved.

Velma is survived by her three children, Don (Kim) Jarrett of Vero Beach, FL, Peg Jarrett of West Richland, WA, and Jim (Tricia) Jarrett of Pasco, WA; her two brothers, Robert B. (Carolyn) McCord of Kennewick, WA, and Sidney G. McCord of Mead, WA; sister-in-law Jan McCord; eight grandchildren: Kristi (Larry) McKennon, David (Michelle) Jarrett, Kimberly (Tyson) Nebeker, Justine (Andy) Horner, James Jarrett, Gavin Jarrett, Shane Jarrett, and Kaylene Jarrett; and five great-grandchildren, William McKennon, David Jarrett Jr., Michael John Jarrett, Lexie Anderson, and Curtis Nebeker; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, R.B. and Peggy Ruth (Mills) McCord, her infant sister who died at birth, Peggy Jean; her husband of nearly 64 years, Coy Jarrett; her brother Jim McCord, grandson Luke Jarrett, and son Ronald Jarrett.

The Jarrett family would like to acknowledge the many kind, competent caregivers who have supported Velma over the last few years – especially Tammy Green, Amanda Kadinger, Tonya Smith, Chinook Home Health Care, and Tri-Cities Chaplaincy hospice team. Special thanks also to Loman Lyle and Craig Matheson for their assistance in helping manage her affairs.

Viewing will be at Mueller's Funeral Home at 1401 S. Union Street in Kennewick, Washington on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. A celebration of Velma's life, with lunch to follow, will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Pasco at 1105 Road 36 in Pasco, Washington.