King, Velda Faye October 24, 1921 - October 8, 2012

Velda Faye King, age 90, passed away at Community Springs Healthcare on Monday October 8th, 2012. She was born October 24, 1921 to John Thomas and Ethel (McKinley) Whitley in St. Clair Co. just 2½ miles north of where she would enjoy the rest of her life. She was the only surviving child of 5 born to John and Ethel. Velda Faye graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1939. She continued her education at SMS in Springfield and Central Missouri State in Warrensburg where she obtained a BS in Education and a Masters in Administration and Supervision. She taught in rural schools in St. Clair Co. for 10 years and finished the last 26 years of her teaching at the Roscoe Consolidated District where she retired in 1989. Velda Faye married Halley Brackenridge on August 5th, 1947. To this union 3 sons were born, one dying in infancy, surviving are James Halley and wife Judy and Jerry Loyd and wife Carleen all who live near the family farm. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Doug and wife Tammy of St. Louis; Gary and wife Afia of Seven Oaks England; Trent and wife Emily of New Orleans; Megan of Columbia; Betsy Blades and husband Curt of Des Moines; Chris and wife Ann of Wichita; Cassie Linn and husband Joe of Platte City Mo. She is also survived by two step grandchildren: Cary Chambers and husband Jeff and Tyler Poore and wife Mandy all of El Dorado Springs. She also leaves behind 16 great grandchildren along with many nieces, cousins and many dear cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son and Halley who passed in 1973. In May of 1978 Velda Faye married Raymond King and had 20 years together until his death in 1998. “Miss” Faye was a member of Pape Christian Church, The Order of the Eastern Star, ADK Sorority and the Local Retired Teachers Group.