Obituary of Velma Lilly

Velma Lilly, 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at her home in Staunton, VA.

Born in Lamington, NJ to the late John and Ruth Hendershot, Velma was a longtime resident of Piscataway, NJ. It was here that she and her late husband, Benjamin, settled and raised their five children. They later relocated to Flemington, NJ. Velma moved again, residing in Aiken, SC for over 30 years, and finally Staunton, VA, where she has lived for over 30 years as well.

Working several jobs throughout her life, it was raising her children that she held most dear. She enjoyed Bingo, and trips to the casino, where she was known to get lost playing slots, and was a member of the Red Hats in Staunton.

Velma lived a full and vibrant life, all the way to the end. She touched the lives of many, and to know her was to love her. Of those she touched were the members of Shenandoah Valley Hospice of Virginia. The Lilly family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who cared for Velma at the end of her life.

Predeceased by her loving husband, Benjamin Lilly, son, John Lilly, and five siblings, Velma will be deeply missed by her children, Bobby Lilly, Walter Lilly, and his wife Shirley, Verna Dorry, and her husband Frank, and Nancy Garlic. She will also be missed by 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; her sister Barbara “Dolly” DeLello, and a host of extended relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ, on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 11 AM. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home beginning at 10 AM.

Burial will follow at Lake Nelson Memorial Park, Piscataway, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the Lilly family has asked that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in Velma’s name.