Velma May Helton

Velma May Clift Helton (known as the "Great One" to her family), 85, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2023. She was born on May 12th, 1938 to Verner and Nina McBrayer Clift in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her family moved to Dayton when she was 6 years old. She attended Kiser High School, where she graduated in 1957. Finding the love of her life, she married Doyle Helton in June of 1957, and was married for 61 years before his death in 2019.

Velma worked for the Ohio Bell Telephone Company as an operator, as a cafeteria worker at Mad River School and then she retired from Beavercreek Schools after 28 years of service to the community as a school bus driver. She loved being a bus driver because she loved the children and meeting the parents.

Velma loved her Lord and Savior, being baptized at the age of six years old while attending East Dayton Christian Church. Growing up she loved kids and became a Sunday School teacher and loved working in the nursery. She loved Jesus, her church and her church family where she made many life long friends.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents Verner and Nina Clift; her brothers Marvin Clift, Larry Clift and William Clift; as well as her sister in law Patricia Clift.

She is survived by her son Jeff (Tammie) Helton; grandchildren Lauren (Arthur) Weisenbarger, Nathan (Shonda) Helton, Delayna (McKenzie) Helton; great grandchildren Hannah, Zack, Haevyn, Tatum, Tru, Gideon, Tannyn, Ezra, Judah and the newest addition Eden Maye. She leaves behind her sister in laws Janet Clift, Verna Clift, Helen Meyers and Mary Helton. Velma is also preceded in death by extended family and friends.

Public visitation will be held at East Dayton Christian Church (3415 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45410) on Friday July 21, 2023 at 10:00 am with funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm. She will be laid to rest next to her husband Doyle at Mt. Zion Shoup Cemetery. Please consider a donation in Velma's memory To East Dayton Christian Church.