Velma Harlene Knowlton, 97, of Big Spring, died Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in a local nursing home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, April 17, 2015 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rick Cunningham, officiating. Interment will follow at Vealmoor Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, April 16, 2015 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. She was born November 24, 1917 in Lamesa and married M. L. Knowlton March 24, 1935 in Lamesa. He preceded her in death April 30, 1996. Velma was raised in the Ackerly and Vealmoor communities. She worked with her husband in the blacksmith and welding shop in Ackerly and even worked as a welder during World War II while M. L. was in the service. She then worked as a nurse, retiring in 1977. Velma had a very generous and giving heart and enjoyed quilting and donating the quilts to different children's homes. Her passion was to cook for family and friends and have everyone gather at her home. Survivors include one daughter, Fern Tyler and husband, Tommy of San Angelo; seven grandchildren, Bruce Knowlton and wife, Debra of Mansfield, Kayla Horton of Big Spring, Angie Makar and husband, Robert of Round Rock, Gaylon Knowlton and wife, Tyna of Big Spring, Ginger Eggleston and husband, Randy of Midland, Geno Abshier and wife, Debra of Bastrop and Kris Abshier of Austin; 16 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, J. A. Smith and Everett Lee Smith both of Big Spring; and two sisters, Marie Pounds of Big Spring and Lola Mae Foster of Duncan, Oklahoma. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Hines Smith and Myrtle Lola Howell Smith; four sons, Larry Knowlton, Elton Knowlton, Gaylon Calvin Knowlton and Elvis Knowlton; five brothers; and one sister. The family suggests memorials to the donor's favorite charity. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com,
