Velma Mildred Miller Hills-Davis, 93 years young, peacefully transitioned on August 9, 2026, at Ochsner Westbank, with her beloved daughter at her side. A native and lifelong resident of Ironton, Louisiana, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, godmother, and friend. She lived a full and meaningful life filled with faith, hard work, love, resilience, and countless cherished memories. Sis. Velma was born on January 28, 1933, to the late Lawrence and Pauline Allen Miller, Sr. She was the baby of twelve children born to this union. Born during the Great Depression, she learned at an early age that life was not always easy. Money and resources were scarce, and she often shared stories of her childhood, including having to wear sailor shoes and beginning work in homes as a domestic at a very young age to help her family make ends meet. She always said that as a child, she never felt poor, but she knew they didn't have much. At just 15 years old, Velma began working as a fieldworker. She later worked at Balastar and Myrtle Grove seafood packing companies, where she shucked oysters and peeled shrimp. In early 1971, she began her career in the dietary department at Belle Chasse State School, now known as Metropolitan Developmental Center. She dedicated 38 years of faithful service to the 'State School', retiring as a Cook Supervisor. Her commitment, work ethic, and accomplishments were recognized with numerous plaques and awards throughout her career. One of her most memorable honors came in 2023, when she was selected as one of four finalists by the Plaquemines Parish Council on Aging to receive the prestigious Legacy of Achievement Award. This honor included a reception banquet held in her honor, an interview and photograph in The Times-Picayune, and many gifts celebrating her remarkable life and contributions. Sis. Velma met and fell in love with Ferdinand Hills, and the two were married in April 1961. They shared 23 years of marriage until his untimely passing. His death left a tremendous void in her life, as the two shared a love for traveling and adventure. Together, they traveled throughout the West Coast and Mexico, often accompanied by nieces, nephews, and their families who lived in California. Years later, Sis. Velma and Rev. James Roy Davis, Sr. rekindled their love for one another, and they were married in late 2001. They enjoyed traveling as well, this time exploring destinations along the East Coast. Sadly, his passing just a few months after their marriage devastated her. Yet, Sis. Velma had learned from childhood to trust in God to guide her and keep her through difficult times. Once again, that is exactly what she did. Her faith sustained her through every season of her life. Sis. Velma lived a full and meaningful life spanning more than nine decades. She witnessed generations of history and change while creating countless cherished memories with her family and friends. She was the devoted mother of Paulette 'Connie' Davis Baker; grandmother of Corey A. Baker, Sr. and Kamala B. Jackson; and doting great grandmother, affectionately known as 'Maw Maw' to Corey Jr., Jason Jr., Kharis, and Kecia. She was also the proud great-great-grandmother of Noah and Charm. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a loving godmother to Marietta C. Tate, Andrew Summers, Jr., Wanda J. Johnson, Trudie Manuel, Latoria Carter, Natoya M. Lopez, and Devin Lopez, Jr. She was a bonus mother to her bonus daughters Marietta C. Tate, Andre St. Cyr, Glenda Green, Deborah Radcliff and bonus sons Mark Bolden Sr., Johnel Haley, and Alton and Erroll Salvant. She was a good friend to niece Joyce Cornin, Minola Black and Shirley Custard. She was also a beloved aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, great-great-great-aunt, and cousin to many. Her hands were always full, but so was her heart. Sis. Velma grew up in Sunday School and received her early religious education at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. She often reminisced about her school years, humorously describing them as 'kneeling down between the pews and writing your answers on sheets of paper.' Although she may not have had the formal education we recognize today, there was never any question about her intelligence. She was brilliant. She was a mathematician. Sis. Velma loved helping her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with their math homework. She had a way of understanding things that could not always be found in a textbook. As she would say, she had a 'Ph.D. in the things the books don't teach you.' Her wisdom came from experience, observation, perseverance, and a lifetime of learning. She taught lessons not only through her words, but through the way she lived. She was known for her resilience, courage, tenacity, compassion, and unwavering strength. No matter what life placed before her, she found a way to keep moving forward. Her life was a testimony to perseverance and faith. Sis. Velma was also a gifted and accomplished professional seamstress for more than 70 years. Throughout those seven decades, she created countless prom dresses, wedding dresses, Mardi Gras costumes, women's apparel, and so much more.She did not need a pattern; she made her own patterns. All one had to do is describe it to her and she would be able to make it. Her hands could transform fabric into something beautiful, and her talent became another lasting part of her legacy. She was a lifetime charter member of Eastern Star Local #149 and a member of the Christian Ministers Missionary Baptist Association Ministers' Wives & Widows Auxiliary of Plaquemines Parish. Her faith and service remained important parts of her life. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her daughter, Paulette 'Connie' Davis Baker; grandchildren, Corey A. Baker, Sr. (Sheletha) and Kamala B. Jackson (Jason); four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; stepdaughters, Ruby 'Candy' Davis Crockett (Leslie) and Sybil Davis; son-in-law, Earl Fox; eight step grandchildren and 8 great-step-grandchildren; 2 brother-in-laws Kenneth (Shawn) and Ricky Davis; sister-in-laws Cheryl Mallon & Linda Jenkins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, extended family, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Ferdinand Hills and Rev. James Roy Davis, Sr.; her parents, Lawrence and Pauline Allen Miller, Sr.; her eleven siblings; stepson, James R. Davis, Jr.; and stepdaughter, Shelita D. Fox. Sis. Velma's life was a testament to what it means to endure, to love, to serve, to create, and to keep the faith. She lived through hardship without allowing hardship to define her. She worked, she traveled, she sewed, she laughed, she taught, she loved, and she persevered. She leaves behind a legacy stitched together with faith, family, wisdom, hard work, and love-a legacy that will continue through every generation fortunate enough to have known her. Her work on earth is complete. Her legacy lives on. Rest well, Sis. Velma. You have truly earned your rest.