Velma Jeanne Bradford McLelland

Velma passed from this life into the arms of her Savior, into eternal peace and joy in the Father’s house on Friday morning, April 17, 2026. Visitation will be at 6:00pm Monday, April 20 with Vigil Prayer Service to follow at 7:00pm, both at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Marshall Street, Shreveport. Funeral Mass will take place at St. John Berchmans Cathedral Tuesday, April 21 at 10:00am with burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Velma is preceded in death by her parents, John R. and Nancy Jeanne Bradford and her grandparents. She is survived by her husband of almost 58 years, Fr. James McLelland, her daughters Jennifer Lyn and Heather Lea and her 13 grandchildren. Also surviving her are her sister Patricia, her brother Mark, her daughter of the heart Jennifer Ann and her German daughter Mona, as well as her cousins Mary Katherine and Erston.

Born in Water Valley, Mississippi to a loving faithful Methodist family on June 8, 1947, Velma grew up as a happy child moving with her Navy family to many postings around the United States before the family settled in Richardson, Texas where she graduated from Richardson High School. Interested in pursuing nursing, Velma chose Texas Christian University for her higher education but before moving to Fort Worth she had decided on a major in Religion.

At TCU she met her future husband, James as they both played in the band – she flute and he trumpet. Later they both sang in the TCU A capella Choir. By their sophomore year they were engaged to be married and they finally pledged their troth on August 31, 1968 at First Methodist Church, Richardson, Texas just before their Senior year at TCU. They made a strong team, loving, trusting and serving together throughout their marriage.

After their graduation Velma and James spent a year in Germany where James studied organ on a Fulbright Scholarship. In addition he served two Evangelical Lutheran churches as Organist-Choir Director assisted by Velma. During this year the couple enjoyed many trips through Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium and England. Throughout their marriage they have enjoyed traveling together at home and abroad and have taken cruises in the Caribbean and to Hawaii.

Velma started singing at an early age and studied voice at TCU with Catherine White. She began singing solos in church during her year in Germany and later earned a Voice degree at Louisiana Tech under Dr. Jon Barker who helped her discover her beautiful coloratura soprano range. Even in her final years Velma sang so beautifully. Throughout James’ ministry in the United Methodist Church and then in the Catholic Church where God led them, Velma has sung in choirs and given solos, directed children and youth choirs and served as Cantor some 24 years encouraging others to sing to the Lord. For 3 ½ years she also trained four other cantors to continue leading music after James’ retirement and their move.

Velma’s keen mind led her to study and earn Bachelor degrees in Religion and Voice, an Associate Degree in Medical Records and two Master’s degrees in Pastoral Studies and in Counseling. Velma worked some 22 years as a Medical Records Coder at Christus Schumpert and Christus Highland Hospitals.

Velma was a great wife, mother and grandmother, gifted in hand and needlework and making many of her daughters’ clothes. She loved cooking, gardening, writing, reading and working jigsaw puzzles. She was deeply faithful and took many spiritual retreats including the Ignatian 30 day retreat in Gloucester, Massachusetts. She was dubbed “Gymnastics Mom” for not only bringing her daughters to the YMCA for gymnastics but also working out with them. She helped create many good memories of family trips and birthday parties and plenty of fun together.

A gracious friend, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, devoted to God and His Church, Velma is greatly loved and sorely missed. We commit her into the arms of her Savior for her final journey home. “Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of your Master.” Sing a new song to the Lord! Amen.

We express gratitude to our loving faithful sitter Chris Johnson and to Christus Hospice for making her final days as comfortable as possible. We are grateful for the many expressions of love and prayerful support we have received over this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.