Velma Drake was born February 7, 1938, in Opelousas, Louisiana to Clement and Emma Guidroz, and passed away July 19, 2025, in Starks, Louisiana.

Velma grew up in Port Barre, Louisiana and graduated in 1956 from Port Barre High School. She worked at Nick's Café, Billups, home health care, and retired from Deweyville ISD after 18 years.

She is survived by her daughters, Wanda Gibson of Deweyville, and Lorri Blanchard (John) of Starks; step son, Carl Lucius of Conroe, TX; son-in-law, Raylen Bass of Starks; sisters, Jane Meche of Lafayette, and Sybil Tullier of Leonville; grandson, Billy Williams (Laura); granddaughters, Heather Milton (Lawrence), Danielle Simien (Patrick), and Kayla Wilson (BJ) all of Vinton; along with numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clement and Emma Guidroz; children, Dale Richard and Elaine Bass; siblings, Yves Guidroz, Frank Guidroz, Albert Guidroz, Ervin Guidroz, Herbert Guidroz, Clemmie Bergeron, Ethel Fontenot, and Verna Mobile; and son-in-law, Steve Gibson.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Allegiance Hospice.

Pallbearers will be Patrick Simien, Lawrence Milton, Billy Williams, Troy Barks, CJ Milton, and Elijah Milton. Honorary Pallbearers are Tavin Williams and Jonathan Williams.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2025, and continuing from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Deweyville United Pentecostal Church, Deweyville, Texas. Pastor Michael Orange, Rev. Lanny Gibson, and Rev. Cameron Orange will be officiating. Interment to follow at Deweyville Cemetery, Deweyville, Texas.