Velma McCleave Barnes Rayer

Velma was born in upstate New York on September 29, 1931. She passed away at home on January 7, 2026. In 1967, she and her husband (Wendel Barnes, with 4 kids, Bob, Barbara, David - all deceased) and Betsy made their way to Corpus Christi, Texas, home for nearly 60 years. Velma was known for her sweet self and her sugar cookies, which she would make at the holidays, just to give to everyone she knew. My Mom was just the sweetest and giving little lady. We will all Miss her. She worked for Feudo Foods for many years and retired soon after the store on Airline closed.

She is survived by her daughter Betsy (Kenny) Hickman; her husband, James Rayer, her sister Gail Stevenson and step-son James Jr. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren: Amy (Trae) Thornton, Jamie (Sam) Gutierrez, Christi (Brad) Thompson, Trey (Jessi) Hickman, Kendra Hickman, Shawn (Amy) Barnes and Sarah (Julie) Foss. Velma has 17 great-grandchildren: Aliyah, Alyssa & Aliana Thornton; Liam Gutierrez; Bella, Reese, Lively, Vada & Cauley Thompson; Aaron, Hannah & Maya Hickman; Willow Burrus; Katia, Odin & Niko Barnes and Anna Foss.

A Celebration of Life for Velma will be held at her home on Saturday, 1/10/2026 at 1 pm for Family and Friends.

Thank you to all who have made my mom's life a little easier, especially to Iggy and Olga.