Velma E. Tester, 74, of Hampton, went home to be with her Lord, on Sunday, February 5, 2017, at Johnson City Medical Center. She was the daughter of the late William Oscar and Merle Hicks Morton and was born in Carter County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Glen O. Tester, on June 22, 2010.
Mrs. Tester was a lifetime member of Union Baptist Church in Hampton where she served the church faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and a choir member. She loved to watch movies on the Hallmark Channel, and taking trips to Gatlinburg. She loved to spend time with her family and attend services at her church.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Scott Tester, and his wife, Rebecca, Hampton; four grandchildren, Marissa Marie Tester, Mark Scott Tester, Cody Ryan Keene and Dave Newton Ramey; a sister, Glenda Ranshaw, and her husband, Rev. Doug Ranshaw; a brother-in-law, Richard Tester, and his wife, Betty, all of Hampton; three nieces, Tiffany Arnett, Amy Lowe and Amanda Blair; and a nephew, Travis Ranshaw. A special friend, Karen Matherly, also survives.
A service to honor the life of Mrs. Tester will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, in the Chapel of Peace, Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Wesley Duncan and Rev. Doug Ranshaw officiating. Music will be under the direction of the Union Baptist Church Choir. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service, and at the home of her son at other times. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, at Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Travis Ranshaw, Mark Tester, Dave Ramey, Cody Keene, Eugene Keene and Ray Arnett. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of Union Baptist Church. Those wishing to attend are invited to meet the family at the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday. The family wishes to express a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses on the 5200 Floor of Johnson City Medical Center for the concern and care shown to Mrs. Tester and the family during her time there. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Tester and her family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.