Velma "Hokey" Israel Obituary (1951 - 2014)

Velma Eloise "Hokey" Jenkins Israel, daughter of James "Jug" Howard and Dorothy "Dot" Jenkins Brown, was born December 26, 1951 in Frederick, Maryland. She was called home on February 6, 2014, after a lengthy illness with cancer. Velma was educated in the Frederick County Public School system. Velma held many professional positions that spanned several decades. She worked as a barber and as an Attendance Record Keeper at the Rock Creek School for mentally-challenged youth. In her work with these youth, she demonstrated great love and compassion, choosing to work closely with them in several capacities during her tenure there. In the 1980's, Velma moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. She worked in several positions in the hotel industry while there. Upon returning to Frederick County, Maryland, she joined a private cleaning service, We, Inc. In 1996, Velma met the long-time love of her life, Deirdre Anne Garry, and moved to Baltimore, Maryland. She began working with juvenile delinquents with Youth Services International, and later with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. Velma was known to be extremely gifted in various forms of visual and musical art. In addition to being a talented painter, she was also a skilled musician. She taught herself to play the piano and enjoyed many genres of music, especially traditional Gospel. She had a beautiful alto voice and sang with a local group of Gospel singers, Souls on Fire, for ten years. She was a skilled interior and exterior decorator, a gift that many could not duplicate. Velma lived a life full of fun, laughter and hearty living. Everyone who knew Velma could remark on her ability to bring life and laughter to any situation. Her spiritual gifts of compassion and helps were easily discernible from her voluntary works to visit the sick and shut-in, mostly family members and friends. This was also her legacy in Baltimore, Maryland, as she helped Deirdre care for her ailing mother. Velma was also known to be a phenomenal cook and enjoyed hosting family and friends for dinners and special occasions. Velma leaves to mourn her long-time life partner, Deirdre Garry of 18 years; one brother, Charles L. Jenkins, Sr.; sisters Janis Howard, Seena Morina, Jackie Gray, and Karen (Kimmy) Jenkins; sisters-in-law Barbara Jenkins and Jean Jenkins; brothers-in-law John Howard, Tyrone Morina, and Aubrey Gray; aunts Margaret Jenkins and Frances Jenkins; one uncle, Austin Jenkins; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; goddaughter Shyra Davis; and godson Avery Wilson. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and one brother, Ronald "Ikey" Jenkins.