Mother Velmon Felton

A life of love and service is to be celebrated, never mourned. Such a life began when Mother Velmon Felton was born on April 3, 1917 to Mr. Walter and Mary Smith in Powell, MS. She was the 4th of 14 children. She married Elder Lee Roden in 1936. God blessed them with seven children. She was widowed at age 32. She later married Elder Damon Felton and to this union one son was born. Mother Felton received her primary education in Powell, MS. Mother Felton received Christ at the age of 10 and became a dedicated servant of the Church of God in Christ. Although, she had limited education, Mother paid attention to the reading of the Bible and developed her reading skills by following along while the word of God was being read. She committed to memory many chapters in the Bible and quoted them in her daily devotion. Whenever she counseled someone, there was a scripture to back up what she said. Mother Felton had a 5th grade education, but experience that was equivalent to a PHD. She managed to rear her children in the Church of God in Christ, own her home, and retire from the Kalamazoo Public Schools. Mother Felton served under the late Supt. Levarn Smith, Pastor of the Saint James Church of God in Christ, for almost 30 years. She then served under the leadership of Pastor John Arthur Smith, her dearly beloved son-in-law, until her demise. She served her leaders faithfully, giving of her time and dedicated service to glorify God. As a result of her dedicated service, she served as the local and district Hospitality President for many years and trained young women to work in this ministry. Mother Felton served with the Mothers Board in Northeast Michigan Jurisdiction and President of the local Mothers Board and Church Mother, The final earthly chapter of her courageous life came to a close as she answered the call from the Master, which came on Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 6:42 a.m., at the home of her daughter, Catherine (Pastor John) Smith, where she resided during the latter part of her life. The rest of the chapters in the life of Mother Velmon Felton are now being continued in eternity. Loved and treasured by her family and friends, Mother will be remembered in the hearts of her 5 sons, John A.L. Roden, Arthur (Dianne) Anderson, Calvin (Florine) Roden, Pastor J. Louis (Priscilla) Felton, all of Kalamazoo, MI and William (Adrianne) Roden, of TX; 2 daughters, Catherine (Pastor John) Smith, of Kalamazoo, Pearline (Norris) Miles, of Louisville, KY.; 2 special daughters, Edith Gardner, of Kalamazoo, MI and Evang. Patricia Lewis, of Memphis, TN; 4 brothers, Josh Smith, Johnnie Smith, Willie Smith, all of Detroit, MI; Louis Smith, of Buffalo, NY; 4 sisters, Sarah Martin, of West Helena, AR, Doris King, Marie Tillman, and Ruby Thompson, all of Detroit, MI; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mother Velmon Felton

April 3, 1917 - March 20, 2008