Velma Collins Ware

Velma Collins Ware, age 89, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away Monday, August 2, 2021, at Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Wilmington, North Carolina.  Born Saturday, February 13, 1932, in Kings Mountain, Lincoln County, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Arthur & Lillie Addington Collins.  She is survived by her loving husband and high school sweetheart, Clarence Lee Ware, whom she married Friday, January 4, 1952. 

Ms. Ware was an accomplished artist of many mediums including water color, acrylics and pastels. She was a member of the Lexington Art Club and Public Relations Officer of the Blue Grass Artist Association. Over the years she had exhibitions in Washington, D.C., Florida and with multiple showings in Kentucky at venues such as: Freedom Hall; Thor Galleries; Heritage Hall; Turfland Mall; First Security National Bank of Lexington; Bluegrass Fair; and in Kentucky's Capitol Rotunda. She also loved flowers and landscapes, particularly plants native to Kentucky. After being commissioned a Kentucky Colonel, select art work of Kentucky wild flowers were available in Kentucky State Parks.

Mrs. Ware, in prior years, was President, Cardinal Valley PTA, Fayette County Republican Woman's Club, member of the Kentucky Historical Society, and Leaf Petal Garden Club. She also enjoyed being an Eastern Star and was very active in local and state civics. She was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky.  

Any time there was music you would see her move. She loved to dance. In their younger years, she and Clarence were co-treasurers of the Thoroughbred Square Dance Club and members of the Circle 8 Dance Club, coordinating traditional routines with other dancers. They danced their way around Kentucky entertaining everyone in their path.

If this wasn't enough to keep her busy, she loved to model women's clothing and was known for her classy style and beautiful blue eyes. Even after retiring to Sarasota, Florida, she continue to model for various functions well into her sixties.

Mr. and Mrs. Ware loved traveling. Mrs. Ware would start many sentences with "When I was in travel..." because she had many stories to share about her traveling adventures as a coordinator organizing destination weddings, cruises and group adventures taking her and her husband around the globe. They also enjoyed traveling with their children who have many fond childhood memories of their summer vacations in Florida, travels throughout the United states and many weekends boating on Kentucky lakes. The one thing she never mastered was driving the boat or water skiing! "Where's the brakes!"

What Velma loved most was her very close knit family, especially her children. No matter the distance, she managed to remain in constant contact with her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. She loved her husband dearly and was quoted as saying, "No woman could do the things I have done without the support of a good husband." Their love started with a pack of gum in 1951 and anyone who knows the story, understands their love truly withstood the test of time.

In addition to her husband, Velma leaves behind two sons, Michael Lee Ware (Mary) of Sarasota, Florida, and Kenneth Ray Ware (Libby) of Frankfort, Kentucky; one daughter, Kathy Ware Brown (Kenneth) of Wilmington; eight grandchildren, Lee, Clay, Grant, Shelby, Matthew, Lauren, Andrew, and Chelsey; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Tom Collins of Bardstown, Kentucky, and Steven Collins (Tina) of Lexington, Kentucky;  two sisters, Peggy Estes (Jim) of Lexington, and Barbara Goodlett (Gerald) of Louisville, Kentucky; many nieces and nephews; and other extended family members and friends who mourn her passing.

In addition to her parents, Velma was preceded in death by one sister, Linda Vaught.

A Public Visitation will be held 1-2PM Monday, August 9, 2021, at Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, 545 KY Hwy 328 West, Waynesburg, KY 40484.  

A Public Funeral Service will begin at 2:00PM Monday at the funeral home.  Bishop Lee Ware & Bro. Barry Vaught will officiate the service.  Burial will follow in Double Springs Cemetery.  

PALLBEARERS: Matthew Ware, Lee Ware, Clay Ware, Grant Ware, Andrew Brown, and Michael Yeager.

All expressions of sympathy, including flowers or cards are welcome. Donations to the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 (910) 762-9422, are equally welcome.

Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, Waynesburg, is entrusted with Velma’s arrangements.  Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.

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