Velma Lee Malone, (lovingly nicknamed “Lil’ Bae” by her family) 79, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, passed away on November 26, 2025, after a long illness.

Born on December 3, 1945, in Selma, Alabama, to Queen Ester and Jesse Hatcher, Velma grew up in Birmingham Alabama, with a quiet strength that would define her life. After graduating from high school in 1964, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she met her future husband, Thomas Malone. Though not naturally adventurous, Velma took a bold step in 1965 when she moved to New York City. During her time there, she worked at a hospital in Nassau County and welcomed her daughter and only child, Velisa.

Velma later returned to Cleveland, where she worked at Richmond Brothers before beginning a career at Cleveland Trust Bank (now KeyCorp). She remained there for more than 40 years until her retirement, a testament to her dedication and perseverance.

Velma’s personality was gentle and reserved, but never passive. Her sister once said, “She was quiet…we hardly knew she was there.” Yet Velma’s silence was her strength. She observed, listened, and understood people in ways that others often missed. She could anticipate what someone needed before they asked, and she offered help with grace and without expectation. Her soft voice carried a firm resolve—when Velma decided to do something, she did it. She was independent, creative, kind, and loving, and those who truly knew her discovered a woman full of humor, resilience, and quiet wisdom.

As a single mother, Velma accomplished much on her own. Her daughter recalls watching her splice wires to repair a lamp, realizing at a young age her mother could do anything and then without knowing it Velma became a mentor and a hero. Velma even studied karate at Tri-C Community College.  Velma’s joys were simple yet fulfilling. She loved reading, playing cards, music, and video games—often juggling a book on one tablet while playing two games on another. Her favorite songs were “Mustang Sally” and “When a Man Loves a Woman”. She loved Science Fiction, (often rooting for the aliens) and favorite shows were Doctor Who, V (The Original Series), and Star Trek. Weekends were often spent shopping with her sisters, playing cards—especially bid whist—and hosting rotating card parties filled with laughter and family. Though she didn’t travel much, she cherished trips back to Alabama with her sisters, where they would always make time for the casinos. She was fascinated by the stars and loved the night sky and had a telescope so she could look at them, often wondering what was out there.

In 2021, Velma moved in with her daughter and son-in-law, where her creativity flourished. She immersed herself in DIY projects, developed a love for power tools, and never believed in throwing away anything that still had value or that she could repurpose. She and her daughter would visit garage sales and go thrift shopping. Her granddaughter Briana affectionately and jokingly called her an “organized hoarder”. Velma loved being outdoors working on landscaping projects. Even mowing the lawn became her form of exercise, a task she embraced with determination week after week.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Fred Hatcher and Eugene Hawkins, sisters Glinda Rivers and Marilyn Hawkins, and her nephew Andre Hatcher. She is survived by her daughter Velisa Truett (husband Darnell Sr.) of Willoughby Hills, Ohio; sisters Catherine Locke (husband William) of Cleveland, Ohio; Estella Jackson of Birmingham, Alabama, and Brenda Collier of Birmingham, Alabama; grandchildren Shaina Fluker, Darnell Truett Jr., Brandon Truett, and Briana Truett; nieces Tonya Hatcher and Lakeisha Davis; nephews Brandon Davis, Anthony Hatcher, and Michael Rivers; and cousins Toni Robinson, Larry Robinson, Dorothy Jean Bouie, James Bouie, Emma Bouie, along with many other extended family members.

Though Velma lived with a quiet footprint, her presence was deeply felt. Her son-in-law remarked, “She was the complete opposite of the usual mother-in-law stereotype. She truly preferred the shadows and because of that, she found the spotlight”. Her daughter shared “She was our one and only, a true treasure, and her absence leaves a void that will be felt daily. She gave so much and asked for so little.”

Velma’s life was a testament to strength in silence, independence in action, and love expressed through giving. She will be remembered not only for what she accomplished, but for the way she lived—with dignity, kindness, and determination. Her quiet steps left lasting impressions that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved her.