Velma Dean Greer, 101 of Higginsville, formerly of Orrick, passed away on Friday, April 25. 2025, at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville.

Velma was born on January 27, 1924, in rural Orrick the daughter of Albert O. and Ada (Estes) Barber. She was united in marriage to Norman Keith Greer of Orrick, on December 7, 1940; he preceded her in death on March 22, 2014.  Together they enjoyed 73 years of marriage.

Survivors include: two sons, William "Garry" Greer of Richmond and Norman L. (JoAnn) Greer of Lee's Summit; daughter, Teresa Leann of Higginsville; eight grandchildren, Michele (David) Williams, Erin (Chris) Schreier, Amy (Tim) Cromley, Sarah (Gino) Villavicencio, Amanda (Daniel) Tucker, Jared (Kelly) Swift, Chance (Sarah) Alberswerth, and Trace Alberswerth.  18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, Marvin, Randall and Kenneth Barber, three sisters, Veva Tomlinson, Reba Borchers and Dorothy Pirch and daughter-in-law Connie Greer.

Velma was raised and educated in the area of her birth.  She dedicated her life to her family as a housewife and homemaker, raising her children with love and care. Throughout the years, she also worked outside the home on several occasions. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Orrick before later joining the First Baptist Church in Higginsville. Velma was active in her church communities, especially cherishing her time teaching Sunday school to young children.  After retiring in 1992, she and her husband relocated from Orrick to Higginsville. Together, they enjoyed spending time with their family, at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Earlier in their marriage, from 1946 to 1949, they lived and worked in Woodburn, Oregon, before returning to Missouri to continue building their life together.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to South Point Cemetery, Orrick.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Saturday May 3, 2025, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with the visitation to start at 9:45 A.M. with services to follow at 10:45 A.M.  Burial will be in South Point Cemetery, Orrick.  Please remember to share your memories of Velma with the family by visiting, www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.