Reed, Velma Roberson

Velma Beatrice Roberson Reed, age 99, passed away on May 1, 2026. She leaves behind a life defined by strength, hard work, and deep devotion to her family.

A lifelong resident of Floyd County, Velma grew up helping her father at Roberson Mill. She later worked in the shirt factory and ran Town and Country Drive-In in Floyd. She and her husband owned and operated Reed Lumber Mill, a sawmill, where she kept the books and could even be found driving dump trucks if needed. At home, she always kept a large garden, milked cows, and made the best apple butter. She was known for opening her home to others and for helping people through difficult times. She taught herself to play the piano and served as a volunteer election worker in her community. If something needed to be done, she taught herself how and made sure it was done.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvin S. Reed; son-in-law, Roger Hollandsworth; her parents, Homer and Lena Cockram Roberson; two older sisters, Freeda DeHart (James) and Estelle Underwood (Gilbert); and two younger brothers, Harry Roberson and Donald Roberson.

She is survived by her son, Darrel Reed (Helen); daughter, Jennifer Hollandsworth; grandsons, Brannon Reed and Dustin Hollandsworth (Sabrina); great-granddaughters, Lilah and Emberly; bonus grandchildren, Shauna, Garrett (Susan and their son Adam), Kylie, Wyatt, and Arick; and sister-in-law, Mary “Frankie” Roberson.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, Virginia, with Brother Stanley Hawkins and Brother Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

The family would like to thank Skyline Nursing and Rehab and ACG Hospice for the care they gave Mrs. Reed during her time with them.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Roberson Mill, P.O. Box 262, Willis, Virginia 24380, or online at RobersonMill.org.