Velmar Mitchell was born on October 4, 1926, in Marks, Mississippi to the late Will Mitchell and Ida Carr-Mitchell.  She was the eleventh of twelve children born to this union. She was the last surviving sibling. She was raised in a firm Christian home. Her mother was a midwife and sharecroppers, and her father was a holiness Minister and sharecroppers. She was the sister of the following siblings that preceded her: Willie C. Mitchell (Clemmie); Eddie B. Mitchell (Ilsie); Benjamin Mitchell (L. C. a.k.a. Plute); Samuel Mitchell deceased (Velma Mitchell of Cleveland, Ohio – still living); Charles Edward Mitchell; Otha Neal Mitchell-Wright (Sidney Wright); Geneva (Roosevelt) Mitchell-Rucker; Vera Mitchell-Cole (Phillip Cole); Pearl Mitchell; Isaac Mitchell; and Henry J. Mitchell.

Velmar was raised in Mississippi and finished her elementary education at Myrtle Hall School in Clarksdale, Mississippi. In her very early 20’s she and her sister Geneva left Clarksdale for better opportunities. Velmar came to Cleveland, Ohio in 1945 and lived with close family friends.  She quickly found employment at Highland View Hospital in Housekeeping. Velmar also found employment doing domestic work for many years. She worked for various families that took a special liking to her because of her outgoing personality and spiritual foundation.

Before she came to Cleveland, Velmar met the love of her life, James L. Cole Sr. in Clarksdale, Mississippi. She was introduced to James Sr. by his sister, the late Pauline Montgomery. While Velmar was in Cleveland, James was honorably discharged from the U. S. Marines. Although they were miles away, James and Velmar continued to communicate through love letters.  Eventually James Sr. proposed to Velmar.  After accepting his proposal, she went back to Clarksdale, MS and they were wed on August 20, 1950. They eventually moved to Cleveland, Ohio to start their new life together. To this union eight children were born: James L. Cole Jr. (Marcia), Debra Cole Kent, Reginald Cole (Robin), Jeffrey Cole (Renee), Bobby Cole (deceased), Tara Lynn Montgomery (Paul), Derwin Cole, Shearese L. Cole-Coles (Michael).

Velmar was a stern but caring and loving mother.  She was also a praying mother, always standing on her faith in God. She and her husband remained married for 24 years until his untimely passing on December 9, 1974. During that time, her prayer was to see all her children grow up. God answered her prayer and exceeded her request, allowing her to see four generations of her children come into existence.

Velmar accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, becoming a born-again Christian while her children were very young. Love, forgiveness, and faith are the cornerstones of her legacy. She always stood on her favorite scripture Mark 11:22-24.  Over the years, she was a dedicated member of various Faith Ministries. She was a long-time supporter of the Oral Roberts Ministries. She made several visits to the ministry’s church and campus in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And in 1989 she received an Oral Roberts University Student Adoption Certificate recognizing her support as a faithful partner.  At home, she regularly attended church and was a long-time member of God’s Miracle Temple Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor Mary Frances Kent until 2007.  She was also a member in good standing at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, in Cleveland, Ohio, which is currently under the leadership of Pastor John K. Grimes. She was a member there from April 1, 2007, until her passing.

Velmar was known for her love and support of all her family and friends near and far. She enjoyed being around family at gatherings and cookouts. She had a quick wit. In her later years she immensely enjoyed going on the annual bus trip to the Amish country with Pastor Sarah Eberhardt-Byrd and the Covenant Community Church.

Velmar was a great cook. You could often find a pot of cabbage sprouts or mustard and turnip greens, or neckbones and gravy, or some other home cooked meal on her stove.  Her love of vegetables often landed her on visits to the Johnston’s Family Farm or other local farms harvesting greens and beans. One of her specialties was canning and preserving pear and other fruit preserves. She also loved her Popeye’s chicken wings and Wendy’s Frosties.

Velmar was highly respected by her neighbors. She was a mother and grandmother to many young people in the community. She always took time to share Jesus Christ with all whom she met. She touched the lives of many with the testimony of her faith in God.

Velmar Cole went home to be with the Lord on July 8, 2022, at the age of 95.  During her transition to Glory, she was surrounded by family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory: her seven remaining children; 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends Sister Ruth Yarbro and Sister Nora Buchannan; and special neighbor and long-time friend Sister Gloria Bryant and other relatives and friends.