Sympathy to Family and Former Colleagues of Velmar Richmond, Former ASU System Trustee

JONESBORO – The university community extends sympathy to the family, friends and former colleagues of Velmar Richmond of Jonesboro, who died Aug. 8. Richmond served a five-year term on the Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees, from 1996 to 2001.

After completing her bachelor’s degree at Philander Smith College, she pursued graduate study in sciences and mathematics at Wichita State University and Ball State University.

Richmond enjoyed a long career as an educator, specializing in science. After beginning her career at Fort Smith in 1964, she also taught at Wabbaseka, Wynne and Muncie Ind., before moving to Jonesboro in 1973 with her husband, the late Dr. Mossie Richmond. She subsequently taught for approximately 20 years in the Jonesboro School System while Dr. Richmond served in administration at A-State.

Among her many contributions to the university, she was an adviser to the Eta Upsilon chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and she often made campus presentations based on her background in education. One of the buildings in The Circle residential complex on the west side of campus is named Richmond Hall, in memory of the couple and their campus and community leadership.

Survivors include two daughters, Deryle Richmond and Reche Drakeford, and many family members.

A celebration of life service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Gregg-Langford-Bookout Funeral Home. Her complete obituary is online.

The clock tower of the Dean B. Ellis Library will be darkened Friday evening, Sept. 25, in memorial tribute to Richmond for her contributions to higher education and Arkansas State University.