Pikeville Hero: Velma J. Childers Note: This column appeared Saturday, December 12, 2009, in the Appalachian News-Express. Childers Was True Lady By T. J. Litafik Velma Childers was a force of nature. It just doesn’t seem real that the dear lady known to so many has departed this world for the next—this writer, for one, thought that she was indestructible. The Courier-Journal, in their news article announcing Velma’s death, called her the “grande dame” of the Kentucky Republican Party. She would have liked that; it was true. Not too many people’s passing warrant an official statement from a former President of the United States, but President George H.W. Bush said from Texas, “[Velma] was the best example I knew of someone who knew and loved grass roots politics. She is one of the reasons I was honored to be President of the United States.” It just won’t be the same at the Top of the Landmark Inn Dining Room, Velma’s favorite haunt, without her bouncing around in her trademark hat greeting people. Velma was a well-known and beloved figure not just in Pikeville and Pike County, but throughout Eastern Kentucky and across the entire Commonwealth. She was a country girl from Rocky Road yet she was a friend to governors and presidents. Over the years, the Childers’s home in Pikeville probably received more visits from political dignitaries than any other private residence in Eastern Kentucky. Velma’s doorstep was frequently crossed by U.S. senators, congressmen and many other notables. In 1987, she hosted Mrs. Barbara Bush, wife of then-Vice President Bush. Velma was tireless and fearless when she set her mind to something—it usually happened. If she had a problem and went to Frankfort, she was not satisfied until she had an audience with the governor. If Velma went to Washington, she would not stop until she fulfilled whatever items she had on her agenda. Velma came from a big family, and a political family. Her brother was the late Pike County political legend and former magistrate Taylor “Doc” Justice. Politics were ingrained in her DNA, but it wasn’t until the 1963 campaign of former Gov. Louie B. Nunn that her involvement really began to take off. Velma was Gov. Nunn’s longest-time and best friend in Pike Co. and he visited her home many times before his death in 2004. He often spoke of her loyalty and commitment to him, even years after he was out of office. While the world just won’t be the same without her, Velma has gone on now to her eternal home. She was a Christian lady who believed in the Lord with all her heart. Her troubles are now over; her victory complete. The poet Amelia Burr wrote, “Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.” Velma Childers loved life, she embraced it and she lived it how she wanted to. We mourn her passing, but let us celebrate her life. Velma was a political legend, a great hostess, a wonderful friend and a tireless advocate for what she believed in. But above all she was a lady of the highest caliber. Goodbye, old friend, we’ll see you again over on that golden shore.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 03:11:19 +0000
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