Velma Wilde Hamlin was born and raised in the Locust Grove Community where she made her home for the past 89 years. On the evening of January 20, 2026, while surrounded by her family, the Lord passed by and took her by the hand and walked her down the streets of gold.

She began her working career at Hammarlund Mfg. in Mars Hill, later moving to Square D where she retired in 1995. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of Locust Grove Baptist Church for the past 79 years where she played the piano, sang in the choir, and enjoyed attending the Ladies Friendship Sunday School Class.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Robbie Chandler Wilde; infant twin brothers; sister, Verna Mae Rice; and brother-in-law, Horace Rice, Jr.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband of 71 years, Eddie Hamlin; son, Stewart Hamlin; grandchildren, Sabrina Briggs (Richard) and Cory Hamlin (Kate); great grandchildren, Hunter Briggs (Bailey), Chase Briggs, Coulter Hamlin, Canaan Hamlin; brother, Lester Wilde (Reba); and 2 nieces, Lisa Ball (Jeff), and Gail Grindstaff (Johnny).

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm Friday, January 23, 2026, in Locust Grove Baptist Church. Dr. Walter Ponder, Rev. Jerry Shelton, and Rev. Brent Snyder will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are: Cory Hamlin, Richard Briggs, Hunter Briggs, Chase Briggs, Johnny Grindstaff, Jeff Ball, James Hamlin, and Kelsey Rice. Honorary pallbearers are the Ladies Friendship Class.

The family will receive friends 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, January 22, 2026 in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service.

Flowers are welcome. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider Locust Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 305 Locust Grove Road, Weaverville, NC 28787.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Madison Health and Rehabilitation facility for the outstanding care and love shown during Velma's stay.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.