Velda Lorene Black

Velda Lorene Black passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, surrounded by her family.  She was born on November 10, 1934, to Richard Washington Parker and Golda Lorene Trammell.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Billy Black, her brother, Fred Lloyde Parker, and her sister, Dixie Simpson.

Velda is survived by her six children:  Judi Golden (Rob), Susan Stringfield, Billie Hall (Brad), Mike Black, David Black (Lorrie) and Roger Black (Deneen), 17 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren.

Born in Alamogordo, Velda spent most of her childhood in Weed, NM where her parents owned a store and bar/dance hall.  She enjoyed riding horses, gardening, and LOTS of dancing.   Her eyes lit up when she shared stories from her home in the Sacramento Mountains with anyone who would listen.  Up until the end, one of her favorite pastimes was driving in the mountains.  She especially loved the fall colors. 

Velda, known as “Grammie” to all of her grandchildren, hosted hundreds of Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, birthdays and other occasions.  The house was always full of life, food and laughter.  The kids enjoyed her home during the holiday season as she had multiple singing Santas, dancing Christmas trees and elves, which they made sure to play all at once for the maximum effect.  She invested much time and traveled many miles watching her kids and grandkids play sports, participate in 4-H, and other extracurricular activities.
   
She was active in the community in various endeavors which included 17 years as a volunteer fitness and line-dancing leader at the Alamogordo Senior Center.  Additionally, she was an accomplished artist and painter, having spent many years in weekly painting classes where she enjoyed instruction and camaraderie.  Her children’s and grandchildren’s homes are decorated with much of her artwork.  Her home was filled with meaningful relics, with a story behind each one.  Her collection included hand-made gifts from her many grandchildren which she displayed with pride.  Genealogy was another important part of her life.  She spent numerous hours researching and documenting her family history with information dating back many generations.  She maintained careful records of each of her expanded family members with birthdays of every member carefully written each year on her calendar.  

An informal Celebration of Life gathering is planned for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Alamogordo Senior Center from 2 pm-4 pm.  Memory sharing will begin promptly at 2:30 pm.

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