Velma Campbell Poole

Velma Campbell Poole passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 in Gainesville, FL. Velma was the daughter of Emily Redding and Edgar Campbell. She was one of four children born in Safety Harbor, Florida and is survived by one sister, Joyce Johnson of Anchorage, Alaska. She was the widow of Hugh Lester Poole. She is survived by a son, Hugh Allen Poole and a daughter, Janit Velma Thomas. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Michael Thomas, Ethan Poole, Kevin Thomas and Chrysanne Hamrah; three great grandchildren, Patrick Thomas, Dakota Thomas and Ross Hamrah; and three great-great grandchildren, Emmett Thomas, Delilah Thomas and Genevieve Thomas.

Velma grew up in Clearwater, Florida and lived in Largo, Florida before moving to Trenton, Florida about 1980. Due to health issues, she moved to Gainesville, Florida in 2014. She was very active in community activities while living in Trenton.

She was active in the Fanning Springs Business Organization and helped organize several Fanning Springs Christmas Boat Parades and festivals, worked with the Tri-county Extension Service setting up agriculture displays at local and state fairs.

She worked several years at Drummond Bank of Chiefland, organizing excursions and cruises for the Grand Floridian members. She as a member of the Chiefland Bowling Team and participated in multiple state and national tournaments.

While working on mapping projects for River Graphics she collaborated with local chambers and municipalities in north Florida and south Georgia to promote local businesses.

In her younger years in Pinellas county, while raising a family, she helped manage a toy store, participated in the Largo High School Booster Club, Girl Scouts and as a special Sales Support Representative for Rust Craft Cards in Florida. She tackled the Smoky Mountains’ portion of the Appalachian Trail with scouts and family.

Velma was very adventurous and undertook many activities including hiking, camping, deep sea fishing, traveling to Alaska, Maine, the Caribbean and many places in between. She skied for the first time while in her seventies.

Velma was a true Florida Cracker and fun-loving girl who loved to travel. She was a “People Person” and always ready to go fully energized.

A Celebration of Velma's Life will be held on Thursday, April 28, starting at 10:00 am. This will be a time of laughter and stories so please come casual. There will be a burial at Trenton Cemetery immediatly following the Celebration of Life. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton, FL. 352-463-8888. www.WatsonMilton.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations, in Velma's honor, be made to a charity of your choice.