Velma Tesreau

CAMPBELL - Velma Grindstaff Tesreau, 87, formerly of Bernie, died Jan. 8, 2005, at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell.

Born Feb. 16, 1917, in Stoddard County, daughter of the late George and Rachel Winemiller Gaines, she was a member of the Beechwell General Baptist Church in Campbell.

On Oct. 5, 1939, she married Clinton Nell Grindstaff who preceded her in death on Nov. 21, 1980.

She and Fred Tesreau were married Nov. 23, 1985, in Bernie, and he survives of Campbell.

Other survivors include: two sons, John Grindstaff of Bernie and Glendel Grindstaff of Dexter; two stepsons, Carl Tesreau Sr. of Kennett and Gerald Tesreau of Memphis, Tenn.; three sisters, Elva Smee and Ola Gilkey of Dexter and Ann Stanfill of Louisville, Ky.; and four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Also preceding her in death were two infant sons; one sister, Wanda Smith; and one brother, Elvis Gaines.

Services were conducted at 1 p.m. today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Chapel in Dexter with the Rev. Mack Williams of Jackson officiating.

Burial followed in the Bethany Cemetery near Campbell.