Mrs. Velma Louise Baker Sutherland, age 83, of Elk Creek, VA, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mrs. Sutherland was born on April 9, 1942, at her family home in Comers Rock, VA, to the late Eli Hamp and Ruby Spencer Baker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William "Billy" Sutherland; brothers, Billy A. Baker, Elmer R. Baker and Beattie G. Baker; sisters, Helen A. Baker, and Charlsie B. Matthews; and an infant great-grandson, John Kye Sutherland.

Velma spent many years working in several local factories, including Bluemont, Mr. Casuals, Robert Shaw, and Perry's. Velma found great joy in the simple things in life. She loved sewing and doing thoughtful things for her family and friends. She especially enjoyed spending time outdoors, mowing her yard on her big John Deere tractor. In Velma's community, she was fondly known for her delicious homemade fried apple pies, which she loved sharing with others. Her family will always remember "Granny Velma's funny sayings" which was guaranteed to bring laughter. Above all, Velma cherished her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life.

Velma had always expressed that her wish was to remain at home, and that wish was honored. She commented saying that she was so blessed to have her own personal nursing home, stating that she had her own personal cook, nurse, fixer, pest and the best neighbors. She often said, referring to her sickness, that  "This wasn't our plan — it was God's plan."

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Teresa Marsh and husband Ray of Grassy Creek, NC, and Timothy M. Sutherland and wife Marcia of Elk Creek, VA; grandchildren, Aaron D. Phipps of Concord, NC, Charles Sutherland and Christina Smallwood of Hiawassee, VA, and Nathan E. Sutherland and Molly of Elk Creek, VA; great-grandchildren, Cassie M. Phipps of Concord, NC, Aaron Phipps, Jr. of Concord, NC, Milo W. Sutherland of Elk Creek, VA,  and Natalee J. Sutherland of Elk Creek, VA; brothers and sisters, Moody D. Baker (Frieda), Lola J. Anders, Delora G. Vernon, Paul Bryant Baker (Eleanor), Clara M. Fowler (Gary), Tracy B. Saunders (Donald) Nina M. Kidd (Lewis), and Patricia D. Richardson (Roger Hill); sisters-in-law, Helen S. Delp and Judy Baker; many nieces and nephews also survive. Adopted family, Jack and Wanda Pinion.

A memorial service to celebrate Velma's life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Elk Creek Rescue Squad in Elk Creek, VA. The service will begin at 2:00 PM with Rev. Allen Graham officiating.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Sutherland family.