Velma Lee Tennial Slaughter was born on September 7, 1936, near Byhalia, Mississippi, to Bob Tennial and Alma Hodges Tennial. She embraced her faith in Jesus Christ early in life, being baptized at New Sherron Baptist Church in Cayce, MS. Velma remained a committed member of True Light Missionary Baptist Church in Blytheville, Arkansas, before later relocating to Atlanta, Georgia.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education from Lemoyne Owen College in 1961, Velma began her teaching career at La Rose Elementary in the Memphis City Schools. In 1969, she and her family moved to Blytheville, where she taught third grade at Armorel Elementary and, after several years, moved to first grade at Robinson Elementary in Blytheville, AR. Over her distinguished career spanning more than forty years, she educated hundreds of students, equipping them with fundamental skills for lifelong learning.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Joshua Slaughter; the father of her children, Rev. Dr. James E. Slaughter; her brothers AB (Albert), J.W. (Dut), Earl (Little Brother), and Anderson (Pilk); and her sister Carrie Ann (Pauyre). She passed away on January 17, 2026, at her home in Atlanta.

She is survived by her sons, Dr. F. Keith (Arnetta) Slaughter and Reverend Jay E. Slaughter, both of Atlanta, Georgia, two sisters, eight cherished grandchildren, devoted nieces and nephews, as well as friends and former colleagues Vera Lucas (Peaches) and Norma Howell.

Visitation will take place Friday, January 30, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McDonald-Horne Funeral Home, 1207 South Division St., Blytheville, AR.

Celebration of Life Services are scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 am at True Light Missionary Baptist Church, 1100 South Lilly Street, Blytheville, AR, where Dr. D.L. Clark is the pastor. Reverend Jay E. Slaughter will deliver the eulogy with interment to follow at Gethsemane Gardens Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mhfuneralhomeinc.com or via McDonald-Horne Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

Arrangements are under the direction of McDonald-Horne Funeral Home.