Mrs. Velma Jean Icardy, age 91, of Terrell, and formerly of Lakewood, California, died on Dec. 20, 2021.

Velma was born on Nov. 7, 1930, the fourth child of Bobbie Lee and Grover “Tom” Richie, and grew up in Jay, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Jay High School. A few years later, she moved to California, which, sadly, meant leaving behind her nine-year-old brother Clark, with whom she was especially close.

A few years after moving to California, she met her husband, Steve Icardy, Jr., on a blind date. Two months later, they eloped. They raised their three children in Lakewood, California. The family was active in their church, Bellflower First Baptist. Velma participated in the women’s Bible study and in the church bowling league. Later, Velma and Steve found a new church home at Hosanna Church, Bellflower. One of the highlights of those years was the trip they took to the Holy Land with a group from Hosanna. After Steve’s death in 2003, she eventually settled in Terrell.

In Terrell, Velma attended Emmanuel Baptist Church, was a member of the Ruth Sunday School class, and participated in a weekly Bible study group. She also hosted a weekly game night in her home.

Velma was a warm, affectionate person who will be remembered fondly by many. She was a “people person” who enjoyed nothing more than socializing with her many dear friends. She especially enjoyed her weekly lunches with members of her Bible study group, both in Terrell and in Lakewood (with the “Tuesday Out to Lunch Bunch”), and visiting her children and grandchildren.

Velma was preceded in death by her siblings Ollie Beecher Richie, Dorothy Goins, Faye Davis, H.B. Richie, and James Richie.

Velma’s survivors include her children Gregg (Ella) Icardy, Karen (David) Posey, and Valerie (John) Baffa; four grandchildren, Daniel and John Posey, and Colleen and Joshua Icardy; one brother, Clark Richie (Shirley); many beloved nieces and nephews; her dear friend and caregiver Margie Enochs; and many other friends. Sadly, her son-in-law, David Posey, passed away just eight days after her death.

In accordance with her wishes, her ashes will be interred in her hometown of Jay, Oklahoma.