Velma Ramsey
Velma “Doll Baby,” “Duchess,” Ramsey, 89, of Chattanooga died on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at a local hospital.
Born in Bridgeport, Al., to a musical family, she and her sisters under the direction of their father, were known for their gospel singing as the “Duke Sisters”. “Doll Baby” or “Duchess” never met a stranger. She loved politics and keeping up with the news.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Alicia Marsh, Husband, Homer Evans, sister, Ruby Moore, Parents, Ethel and John Duke.
Survivors include her husband, “Rocky” Ramsey of Chattanooga; daughters, Pat Mahaffey of Chattanooga, Judith (Don) King of South Pittsburg, Tn.; granddaughters, Marlene (Ronnie) Pittman of South Pittsburg, Tn., Trina (Jeff) Wells of Chattanooga; grandsons, Everett Kellis of Agora Hills, Ca., J.D. (Tena) Kellis of Chattanooga; great-granddaughter, Allyx Pittman of South Pittsburg; step-great grandsons, Alex and Michael Wells of Chattanooga; adopted grandson, Justin McCary of Chattanooga; sister, Lucy Petit of Charleston, S.C.; Dot Smith of New Orleans, La., Myra (Lynwood) Burroughs of Richmond, Va.; brother, Ken (Glenda) Duke of Goose Creek, S.C.; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, at the South Crest Chapel with Minister Roy Holiday officiating. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens South, Rossville.
Visit www.lane-southcrestchapel.com to send condolences.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.