Velma Elizabeth Hoke was born December 13th, 1928, in Burnt Cabins, PA, the youngest daughter of Paul and Hester (Cisney) Hampton. She grew up at the foot of Tuscarora Mountain, watching workers build the Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnels and playing with her cousin on the abandoned equipment left behind when the project was finished. In the winter she tobogganed over crusted snowdrifts so deep that they covered the farmers’ fences. Her father had died of influenza when she was only two weeks old, and she enjoyed spending time with her paternal grandparents, David and Lizzie Hampton, helping out with the chores on their small farm.
Velma married S. Bruce Hoke of West Fairview, PA, and with him raised three children in their 51 years of marriage. She was preceded in death by her husband; her oldest son, Gary Hoke, and three sisters, Anna DiPaolo, Dorothy Alleman and Marcella Lister. Her daughter Lisa (Randy) Kelsey and son Kirby (Lori) Hoke survive, along with 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Always a country girl, Velma was an avid gardener who worked several years for Stephenson’s Greenhouses and Ashcombe Farm and Greenhouses. She also enjoyed sewing and other crafts, reading, painting with acrylics, fishing on the Susquehanna and doting on her cats. She enjoyed travel and had fond memories of a trip to Branson, MO, with her lifelong friend, Marie Palermo. She was a member of West Fairview United Methodist Church.
Velma passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday, November 1st, at the Homeland Center in Harrisburg, PA. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 5th, from 12:30 to 2 pm at Sullivan Funeral Home, 51 N. Enola Drive, Enola, PA 17025. The family encourages you to observe Covid precautions. Afterwards the family will hold a private graveside service at Rolling Green Memorial Garden, Camp Hill, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to West Fairview United Methodist Church, 2 State Hwy, Enola, PA 17025.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hoke family.
0 comments on “Velma Elizabeth Hoke”
Lisa and Kirby,
I received your Thank you note for sending a card to your mother. I was so sad to hear of her passing. My memories of old times read to her I hope gave her inner joy before she crossed over. Many years ago I ran into her at the Enola Super Thrift and she told me where Lisa was living and how many choldren she and her husband had. When you lose a parent a part of your past is lost also. Remember all of the happy fun times you all shared together to bring a smile to your faces and to help heal your heavy hearts. She is with your dad now and her Lord and Savior. May God’s love comfort and surround your families.