Velda Louise Keel Evans (60), of Norman, OK passed away on August 29, 2026 surrounded by her children, husband, and immediate family. She fought as long as she could and the Lord relieved her of her suffering.

Our mom was born on April 14, 1966 in Clinton, OK. She was the oldest beloved daughter of Mamie and Aaron Watkins. Sister to Sharon, Bobbie, Marion (deceased), Latosha, Jabarie, Eunice, Floyd, Julius, and Gerald. Our mom was raised in Elk City, OK. She loved the Lord and kept his word as a guiding light. She enjoyed church with her daughters & grand-daughters, family get-togethers & all that it entails. She was an ESPN kind of gal. The Dallas Cowboys let her down every year but she was still in front of the TV on game day. During Christmas her house always looked like a Christmas amusement park. We loved her holiday spirit. She would bring us all together for craft night just to have a reason to come together, drink coffee and eat cookies. She spent her whole life dedicated to those around her and anyone she encountered along her journey through life. She served as a CNA for over 40 years. She took pride in loving and giving back. All she ever wanted to do was God's work and allowed him to lead her wherever the mission took her. Even if that mission was to make fried chicken and spaghetti for a crowd. She would get so mad at us for stealing the chicken before she was done. It was just so good. She would give the hard advice that we didn't want to hear. Like don't touch the chicken. She was a great wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Her brother Jabarie was her biggest motivator in life. She couldn't imagine leaving him behind. She fought through so much pain and exhaustion just to prolong the day she had to say goodbye. This loss is huge. She filled a lot of voids in our hearts in so many different ways. Her heart was full of unconditional love. We can only pray that God gives us even just a piece of that back.

Velda is survived by her husband Robert Evans whom she did the dance with for over 40+ years. He would go above and beyond for her to be happy. Her children are Shaleatha Edmundson, Serena & Nathan Hardy, Aaron Keel, Anthony & Jessica Keel, Lakisha Evans and Larissa Adams. She has 18 grandkids Traevon, Tramiahya, Taizhanara, Tamara, Eryck, Majesty, Jordan, Alaya, Nathan Jr., Paigeronna, Kaydence, Malikah, Zerikah, Zaiden, Zoey, Elijah, Bennet and Annyston. She has 11 great grandchildren Tatum, Kree, Greyson, Jade, Noah, Himaki, Jariah, Saint, KIV, Kehlani, and Lailani. She was the best aunt, but to Devin she was his grandma. She truly answered the call to our hearts.

She is preceded in death by her parents Mamie and Aaron Watkins, and sister Marion Edmundson and a host of family to welcome her home.

Thank you Whinery Funeral Home & all that have supported us through this time. May God bless you all.