On the 29th day of December 1948, a beautiful bay girl was born to Edna Louise Rolle and Fred Emmanuel Miller of South Andros. She was christened "Velma Cora Sands". She was affectionately called "Aunty Velma, Velly" and "Mum" by friends and family.
Velma was the oldest and strongest of all her sidlings. She was a free spirited, kind hearted, energetic and loving provider. She was also a friend and a sister to many. Most importantly though, she was the World Greatest Mom.
Velma received her education at Deep Creek All-age School in South Andros. After completion she worked in numerous establishment inclunding Keith's Chicken Shack and Batelco (BTC). She relocated back home to Andros in 1994 where she continued to work for Batelco (BTC) until her retirement in 1998.
Upon her retirement, she pursued her life-long dream to become an entrepreneur. Being a family oriented person, she named her business and boat after her children and grandchildren. she started with a car rental (NASCOV) business and a convience store (TIA'S) in Deep Creek, South Andros. She further went on and opened up (SHEWILLS) fast food Take Away. Being an industrious person, she expanded her interests to include manufacturing Bahamian Arts and Crafts specializing in Straw Works, Pottery and Jewellry Craft.
Mum believed in passing her knowledge to the younger generation and took a hands on approach in keeping the dream alive. She made a number significant contribution to the South Andros Community, where she passed on her knowledge in Bahamian Arts and Crafts creation to the youths of the community. She was also an active member of the Home-coming Commitee, Columbo Sailing Club, SAHMA and the Deep Creek Association.
She was an avid fish woman even though she couldn't swim.
She loved the sea and always invited persons to go out on (DUCKY) her boat with her.
She was the undefeated champion in the Annual Coconut Fest Straw Plaiting Competition. She also enjoy crabbing and farming.
On Sunday August 10th, 2008 Mum came to Nassau on a visit bringing her bus with her and all of the crab she had in her pen.
She spent the day with friends and family and ended with building a home for her crabs with her children and granddaughter. On August 11th, 2008 at approximately 9:30am, while at home, God called her from her labor to her reward.
left to cherish her memories are one daughter: Shemona Johnson; two sons: William Adderley and Jamal Munnings; Seven Grandchildren: Ashley, Shantia, Oneshia, Natalia, Chino, Brice and Bill;nine sister: Katherine, Sharon, Janet, Joycelyn, Carolyn, Euthalie, Maxine, Antoinette and Jacquelyn; six brothers: Tyrone, James, Glen, Ambrose, Luther and Cedric; one daughter-in-law: Natasha adderley; two brother-in-law: James and Glen; one uncle: Theophilus; three aunt: Drucilla, Rosenell and Menencia; six sister-in-law: Sheila, Linda, Desrina, Valerie, Donelle and Natalie; adopted mother: Eliza; nine adopted children: Hubell, Shannon, Renee, Zante, Tisha, Renae, Owen, Wilfred and Alfred. And a host of other friends and relatives.
She will always be loved by all.