Velma Jean Halcomb, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, surrounded by her loving family. She was 77 years of age.

Born on September 20, 1948, at her family home in Blue Hole, Missouri, Velma Jean lived a life devoted to her faith in Jesus Christ and to her family, church family, and friends. She devoted many years of service to Basler Electric in Corning, retiring before continuing her career as a department manager at Wal-Mart in Corning.

In retirement, Velma Jean found joy in the simple blessings of life. She was an avid reader of the Bible and Christian novels and found comfort and encouragement in listening to King of Kings Christian Radio. Above all, she poured her heart into her family—loving her children, doting on her grandchildren, delighting in all of her babies, and surrounding her family and friends with steady care and kindness. A faithful and devoted member of the First Apostolic Church in Corning, Velma Jean treasured her church family, lived a life of prayer and service, and remained steadfast in her walk with the Lord.

She leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her children: Edward “Junior” Halcomb of Paragould; Donnie (Barb) Halcomb of Corning; Toshya (Rick) Lane of Corning; and Lacreshya Smith of Cheyenne, Wyoming. She is also survived by her siblings: Earlean Cook of Biggers; Lendel Wheetley of Corning; Virgil (Debbie) Wheetley of Naylor, Missouri; sister-in-law Pam Wheetley of Harviell, Missouri; Diane Brown; and Sarah Beth (Rick) Calhoun, both of Corning, Arkansas. Her memory will be cherished by her 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

Velma Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Benjamin and Minnie Maglean (Cobb) Wheetley; her maternal grandparents, Richard Clyde and Bessie May (Myers) Cobb; her paternal grandparents, Edward Earl Marion and Becky Beatrice (Payne) Wheetley; her brother, Lavell Wheetley; her brothers-in-law, Miles Brown and Danny Cook; and her sister-in-law, Gaylene Wheetley.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the First Apostolic Church in Corning. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m., with Rev. Troy Johnson, Rev. Chris Dixon, and nephew Pastor Ronnie Wheetley officiating. Velma Jean will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Corning Cemetery in Corning, under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)