Velma Gene Warder

Velma (Genie) passed away on March 6, 2023, at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by parents William Wesley Williams and Velma Austin Williams; sister Rauby Brown; and great grandson Cameron Reeves. She is survived by her husband William; brother Wallace Williams (Pam); son, Paul Warder (Pam); daughters, Cheryl Warder Reeves, and Julie Warder; grandson Kellen Reeves (Michelle); great-grandsons Quentin, Zavier, Zaire Reeves, David and Christopher Johnson, and a host other family members who will cherish memories of Velma. Velma, born and raised in Minneapolis, is best-remembered as an extraordinary musician, educator and woman of God. She began playing the piano at Zion Baptist Church as a teenager, then at Sabathani Baptist Church. She served 23 years as organist at the former Temple Baptist Church (Mpls.), and retired in 2010 after 26 years as organist at River Hills UMC in Burnsville. Velma was a powerhouse on the organ. She took command of 2- and 3-manual pipe organs, and worked those foot pedals like she was tap dancing. She left a contrail as her fingers flew up and down the keyboard playing everything from Bach, Handel, Chopin, Brahms to Joplin, gospel, spirituals, traditional anthems, Broadway tunes, even pop. She accompanied numerous vocalists, choirs and ensembles, and gave recitals on the organ featuring traditional literature, and the music of African American composers. She was an elementary school teacher in the Minneapolis Public School district for 25 years. She loved teaching! She was a freelance writer, having published hundreds of articles in mostly church music publications, and wrote a book about Juneteenth that is yet to be published. A voracious reader, Scrabble player, gardener, and lover of the comic strip "Peanuts." Most of all, Velma loved her family, and was happiest when all of her family gathered together for celebrations, and holidays, or just for a visit. She demonstrated God's love through her acts of service to others. She lifted up others with her notes of kindness, gratitude and encouragement. We will miss Velma, a gentle, petite but powerful woman of God. Her legacy of Godly service will continue, and she is now happy in her true home. There will be a Celebration of Life service at River Hills United Methodist Church, in Burnsville on Friday, March 17th, at 11:00 am. Public viewing will be 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the church. Burial will follow the service at Fort Snelling. Memorials go to the River Hills UMC music program.

Tributes

Velma Gene Warder

August 15, 1931 - March 6, 2023

Tributes

Velma Gene Warder

August 15, 1931 - March 6, 2023

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