Velma Love (Cobb) Womack Round 1921-2013

My mom, Velma Louise Cobb, was named after two of her aunts. Her first name came from her father's sister, Velma Love (Cobb) Womack, and her middle name from her mother's sister-in-law, Betty Louise (Kinser) Powell. Mom was called by her middle name Louise throughout her life. She used to joke that it could have been worse, she could have been named "Betty Love". But the jokes were all in good fun, as the two namesake Aunts were extremely close to my mom, and she to them. I was blessed to grow up with both of these great aunts in my life.

It's always been common in families to name children after a family member. Velma, the first child born to Henry Clay "Kay" Cobb and his wife, Hattie Eugene (Nicholas) was named after Kay's little sister, Carrie Love (Cobb) Shofler. Velma, like my mother, was named after a much-loved Aunt with whom she was very close.

Aunt Velma

Velma Love Cobb was born on 3 December 1921 in West Plains, Howell County, Missouri. The family, with the addition of sons LeRoy, John David (J.D.), and Bobby and another daughter, Vera, lived on a rural farm in the Ozarks. The family was poor, but they scraped together enough to survive by working together.

Excerpt from a letter Velma sent me years ago.

We "lived 5 miles South of West Plains, Mo. on the old Cobb farm. John and Nancy Cobb (Dads parents) lived there before us. They were farmers. I was 2 years old when Grandpa died & 6 years when Grandma died. They are buried at Evergreen Cemetery, 3 miles South of the old Cobb place. 8 miles from West Plains. It was a two Room House with a cellar. Mom & Dad raised 5 kids there. When I was 13 years old we moved 10 miles West of West Plains in a bigger House."

After attending the Bolivar Baptist College for a year, Velma married Wayman L Womack on 9 September 1939. They moved to Kansas City where Wayman found work at the Bomber plant before he joined the Army. Velma's dad, Kay, also moved up to Kansas City and took a job at the Bomber plant while her mom stayed in West Plains until the house was sold. Wayman's military service took the young couple to northern California where they welcomed their first child, a daughter they named Carolyn, in 1944. After his service, they settled back into life in Missouri where three sons, Larry, Steve and Gary, completed the family. For many years Velma worked at Katz and Skaggs Drug Store, or simply "the dime store" as we called it.

The Cobb kids in July of 1957.
Back: Bobby, LeRoy, and J.D.
Front: Vera and Velma.

When I was a child in the 1970s, I remember Velma and Wayman's house in North Kansas City. They lived next door to Velma's mom, Hattie. They later moved to a home on Lake Waukomis where visitors could fish or go boating on the lake. Family gatherings were important to my Aunt Velma and I fondly remember lots of special times with cousins there. Wayman died in 1980 and Velma married Harry Round in 1988. They enjoyed more than twenty-five years together before Velma passed away in 2013.

Aunt Velma loved reminiscing about the past as she looked at old photographs and our Cobb family reunions were something she truly enjoyed. Since the late 1990s, we've been getting together every few years for a long weekend. Even though she was one of the eldest family members there, she would never relax and let the younger ones do the work preparing the food and setting it out. She insisted on helping. We all learned to just give her something to do because she wasn't going to stop asking how she could help. We always spend a reunion afternoon playing BINGO and that's when we miss Velma the most. She really enjoyed BINGO - especially when she was winning!

Velma never lost her thick Ozarks accent or the odd phrases she had learned as a child. I can still hear her voice as I read her words in the old letters she wrote to me to share some of her stories:

"One of the most scary things I can remember is we had a Tornado when we lived in the 2 Room house at West Plains. It blowed our Chicken House away, Blowed our orchard up by the roots, Tree on the House, Blowed window lights out, We got under the Bed. None of us got hurt. J.D. was 11 yrs old he was praying. When I was growing up My Mother would buy enough flour with the same pattern & make me a dress, Table Cloths & sheets & curtains. My Brother & I used to take a basket of eggs, walk to the Country Store & exchange them for things we needed. We used to walk Three miles to Church & Three miles back. My dad never owned a car. He had 2 mules & wagon. It took them all day to go to town & buy Groceries. We had kerosene lamps. I used orange crates to nail on the wall to put dishes in. We made curtains out of flour sacks."

October 30, 1922 - The last letter to Chicago

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago,

Illinois.

5009 Whittier Blvd,

Los Angeles, Calif.

From E. G. Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.,

Los Angeles, Calif.

Loftus Land Co.

Los Angeles, Cal.,

October 30 - 1922

Dearest Rayson:

I wanted to write to you yesterday dear, but we had company all day and so I will write this morning. This is a beautiful morning, the sun is shining brightly and so warm and nice.

Friday we had our first rain and it turned so cold. It always does when it rains here and the next morning we could see snow on the mountain tops, fifty miles away. Thats close enough, too I think.

Saturday the gas company laid the pipes for the gas on our street and they will soon start digging. It begins to look as though we might have paving yet before the real rains commence. We will live in hopes anyway.

Yesterday Father and Billy finished the new house all except putting on the plaster board, and Father will do that this week.

We were just getting dinner when the McCaffreys and Mr & Mrs Dick Pyle came. They were on their way to Sante Fe Springs. Mr Pyle has some oil stock invested there. They didn't stay long.

Later in the afternoon the Noack family came and stayed all afternoon. We had just remarked afther they left that we thought everyone we knew had called when who should drive in but the Yost girls and their uncle and cousin. Poor Evelyn was so glad to see us, she is so lonesome and homesick out here.

We told Aunt Mae we would be over one day last week. We planned to go Friday but could not on account of the rain and so we just picked up and went Saturday. We had a nice visit with her but had to leave early in order to get home before dark as we had no tail light. We did some speeding too, made the trip in an hour and five minutes, thats the best we have done yet.

I will look for your mail dearest at the land office and so don't worry at all about that. I imagine there is mail there now as Father didn't call for it Saturday.

I am so sorry dear for the poor fellow at the hospital. It is hard to leave anyone like that too. He will look forward to receiving your letters now for that is all he will have. Yes dear it would be fine of you to write to him, it will only take a few minutes and will make him happy.

Vera and I will go to town this afternoon. She is going to buy dishes for the new house. There is a sale on them at the fifth street store today. We are getting as bad as the Yosts' for running to bargain sales. Sometimes it pays.

The Yosts's sold their place accross the street from ours on Marcy St., to a young couple from Michigan. That young couple will find out later how badly they were taken in.

You remember dear the 'funny hat' I wore home? Well I have improved it a little by putting a little color on it. Two Henna colored pheasant feathers and some yarn to match. Also the hat I wore to the little church on the corner that night, I have managed to make look quite good again. Don't know when I'll wear them though as I just cannot get used to wearing a har. They give me a terrible headache.

Has there been anything more heard from Mr Rice? He seems to keep his distance doesn't he dear? I wish that he would soon put in his appearance for I am so lonesome for you dear and wish that you were here with me.

Chris is laying here on the rug, just had a bowl of milk and has gone to sleep. Thats the best thing he does is sleep. He and the cat next door go tearing across lots and break off the geraniums. It makes Mrs Slowinski wild.

Well dearest lover Vera is hurrying me to get ready and so will close for this time. Mother sends her love to you and hopes you will soon be coming.

Goodbye for this time, write soon dear and take good care of yourself. With all my love for you and you only, I remain,

Lovingly yours,

Edythe.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.

October 25, 1922 - Addressed to Chicago, but forwarded to LA

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

5009 Whittier Bldg.

Chicago, Illinois.

Los Angeles

Calif

From 5009 Whittier Blv'd.

Los Angeles, Calif.

c/o Loftus Land Co.

Los Angeles, Cal.,

October, 25 - 1922

My Dearest Rayson:

I received another long letter from you today dear, it seems like I get one every day. They cannot come any too quickly for me though as I am always more than anxious to hear from you. They make me so happy for it seems when I am reading that you are very close to me, you write just as you speak.

Father & Billy have gone down to the new house to finish wiring. Mother, Vera, Mrs Slowinski and I  went down to inspect the place this morning and to put up the street number. It is going to be a nice little place and will do them very nicely for a while.

Vera is doing a little knitting and Mother is teasing the cat. Vera says to tell you the cats name is Chris. He is surely a pretty animal and very well behaved but for all I have changed my mind about wanting one.

Today we cleaned the whole house and scrubbed all the floors. It is so dusty out here in Belvidere Heights, we could clean every day.

We haven't had a drop of rain so far although it time for them to start. For the last three days the sun has risen bright and early without a sign of fog. It seems like we are back east again. Won't you be glad dear to try something a little different from ice and snow for a change? I am rather anxious to see what a winter here is like.

Mother and Vera went down town shopping Monday but I stayed home and did a little mending. Also we didn't any of us go to Aunt Mae's so far this week. The tire carrier broke off of the car taking the rear light with and we are afraid we would be after dark coming home and get picked up.

Dearest, this is a hello and good bye letter for I haven't a bit of news. Write soon again and tell me all about yourself. With all my love, dear heart for you and a kiss on every word, I remain as ever, Yours lovingly

Edythe.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.

October 22, 1922 - Mother asks Rayson to help with the flowers

Addressed to:

Mr G. Rayson Brown.

1468. E 67 St.

Chicago. Ill

From

Mrs Chas Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.

Los Angeles Calif.

c/o. Loftus Land Co.

1.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Oct 22 - 1922.

My dear Boy:-

Your very dear letter was received yester-day, and I surely was happy to hear from you. for I do get lonesome at times when I think of you and the rest of the folk's back home, but when you come Rayson every thing will be different.

My dear boy you said in your letter that you had found a real home and some one that cares for you! We surely do, and when you come we want you to feel right at home, and we

2.

are all looking foreward to you coming and hope it will not be long.

Rayson I just wish you could have been here this morning it was just beautiful. There was an awful fogg last evening but it was clear this morning, and when I arose I looked out of the window and saw the sun shining on the mountains and it certainly was wonderful. We were over to Aunt Mae's again last week she had some flowers for me to put out in the ground. My dear Son I have some work all ready for you to do when you come, and 

3.

it is this, to help me with the flower's. I have a row of red geranium's from the house out to the street. Rayson the flower's and palm's out here are beautiful, ever one are busy setting out plants and bulb's to blossom this winter.

Now my dear boy I will have to close this letter and write one to Aunt Eva. Take good care of your-self. and with love and a great big kiss. I am as ever your

Loveing Mother

October 22, 1922 - Aunt Mae has a heliotrope started for Mother.

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago,

Illinois.

From E. G. Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Los Angeles, Cal.,

October, 22 - 1922.

My Dearest Rayson:

I received another of your wonderful letters Saturday evening and was so glad for I was not expecting one before the first of the week.

This was surely a beautiful day. I wish that you might have been here. There was no fog this morning and the sun came up bright and clear. We could see the mountains quite plainly and that is "very unusual" for that time of the day. Some days we do not see them at all. Later in the day it was quite warm and the air seemed smoky. Some say that is caused from dust or sand storms in the desert. Tonight it is warm enough out of doors to sit without a coat.

There is a pretty new moon tonight hanging over in the south west. I hope dear that you will like this country. It is beautiful by moonlight, when the moon is at its fullest, it seems as though you could reach up and touch it and twice as bright as it is back there.

Billy and Father worked on the house all day. Father put in the windows and Billy wired for lights. Vera calls it her "chicken coop".

After dinner I shampooed my hair but it wasn't very satisfactory as the water is so hard. I will have to look for some castile soap.

Tomorrow the folks are thinking of going to the city shopping and Tuesday Mother, Vera and I are going to drive to Long Beach to see Aunt Mae and spend the afternoon with her. She has a Heliotrope started for Mother. That is my favorite flower. It grows as high as the eaves of the houses here and back home if it grew to be a foot and a half high we thought it wonderful.

Well dearest heart I suppose you are in Ottawa today to see the folks. Write and tell me whether you saw Aunt Vic and give my best regards to Blanche when you write to her. I should liked to have seen her before I left but you know how busy we were.

Have you received the box of pepper berries dear? Vera picked a big box full and sent them to Mrs Armstrong. They make a nice bouquet for winter there.

Last night we three went over to Whittier Blvd, to do our Sunday buying and on our way home we stopped into the dancing pavillion. Vera likes to dance but I am sorry to say that I cannot dance anything but a waltz any more. We didn't stay long but when we started home a heavy fog had lowered and you couldn't see ten feet from you. We became lost, quite naturally, but finally managed to get home all right side up with care. Mother was glad to be home again and Father and Billy were surely relieved when we arrived. It was something terrible, just like London fog.

Mother bought a lovely white ivory bed downtown for twenty dollars, complete. Wasn't that a splendid buy? Down at a store on the boulevard they are selling whole bedroom outfits for seventy five dollars. This includes bed, dresser, chiffonier and chair. I think she intends buying one.

How does it happen that Anna Devore is going with Isabel? I thought Isabel and Bessie Maxwell were inseparable. Nothing that she says can ever worry me dear, I shall just pretend that I don't hear it. That is the best way.

I had a long letter from Irene Cole, Saturday, also. She and Paul and Catherine and Ed Jacobs have been to Detroit, Mich for a couple weeks. When they returned every one thought that Irene and Paul were married. She said Paul did want to get married but she knew her folks would not like it if she were married away from home and so she wouldn't. She had a lovely time and is wild about Detroit.

Well dear this old month is drawing to a close quite swiftly and none to quickly to suit me, for dearest mine, with every little week that slips by brings us nearer together. Mother says it will not be long now, please write and tell me when.

I must close dear heart as it is getting very late and I shall have to be up early tomorrow. Write soon dear and take good care of yourself. With all move and kisses for you, my dearest lover, I remain as ever and forever,

Lovingly your,

Edythe.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.

October 20, 1922 - "It is called Clorox and has a powerful smell."

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago,

Illinois.

From E. G. Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.,

Los Angeles, Calif.

Los Angeles, Cal.,

October 20 - 1922.

My Dearest Rayson:

There isn't much to do around here this morning as so I will write a few lines to you. I am expecting a letter from you today but cannot be sure.

It is foggy here this morning as usual, and there is a little mist in the air. About ten oclock the sun will clear away the fog and we will have a nice day. The rains are due to start now any time. That is what I am dreading but some say it is not so bad as others try to make one think.

Yesterday I gave the dining room chairs another coat of stain and they look quite nice considering who did the painting.

Last night Father drew the plans for the two front rooms and dear, it is going to be awfully nice when finished. I am so anxious to get it finished and then Mother will like it better here.

Mother, Vera, Billy and I drove to Long Beach last night to see the Aunt and Uncle. Aunt Mae asked what I heard from you and when you are coming. They have rented their house and have taken a couple furnished rooms nearer Uncle's work. Uncle Herb and Billy walked down to the "pike" and bought a box of salt water taffy, made in all flavors. It was awfully good.

Vera is doing a little ironing and Mother is washing some flour sacks, with some kind of acid she bought at the store. It is called Clorox and has a powerful smell.

 The Seattle star. (Seattle, Wash.), 09 June 1922. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn87093407/1922-06-09/ed-1/seq-15/>

This afternoon we are all going down town shopping. Vera has to buy all new dishes to start housekeeping. 

Father has been working on Vera's house but today a Mr Williams from Washington, came to get him to help on his house. He is building a big house just across the street from here.

Well dearest heart I haven't any more news and so will close this and write again soon. Write dear and let me know when you are coming Mother sends her love, she is looking for a letter also. With all my love and kisses to my own dear lover, I remain as always and forever,

Yours lovingly,

Edythe.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.

October 15, 1922 - Father, Billy, Mr .Roani & Mr. Noack build a house for Vera

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago, 

Illinois.

Return address:

E. G. Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.,

Los Angeles, Calif.

c/o Loftus Land Co.

Los Angeles, Cal.,

October, 15 - 1922.

Dearest Rayson:

I was wondering whether or not I would hear from you again this week and surely enough Billy brought home another wonderful letter. It made me so happy dear and I am so glad that you are well. Although I might have promised not to worry, you know dear that seems to be part of a woman's "make up", so to speak. We just cannot seem to help worrying.

It is Sunday again but you would never know it around here. Have to work just as much as any other day. Mr Roani and Mr Noack came over early to help Billy and Father build the house. I was down to the place this noon myself and it is really a nice location. Mother and I got dinner for the men and have just finished doing dishes. If you were here dear, you would most likely be putting them away. I can hardly wait until you come, I will be so happy.

It was nice of Harry to ask you there and I am glad you had a nice time. If we happen back there some day we will surely stop and see them.

Now dear, if I had thought for one minute that you would feel that way I would never have mentioned building on to the house. It is not on youre account at all. The truth is, when Father built this place he forgot all about clothes closets and consequently we must have more room to put our clothes. Just at present most of ours are in the garage, still packed. The neighbors around here think I only have one dress, I guess, as I always wear the same one. But then they don't bother me as I don't know any of them any way and a part of them I don't care to.

We drove to Alhambra one evening for a ride. Do you remember the Gualano's in Ottawa? Vincent and Fortunato are operating a music store in that city. They invited Vera and Billy to see them but they haven't gone yet.

I picked a few berries off the pepper trees here and am going to risk sending them in this letter although they may get crushed. The trees look awfully pretty, just hanging full of red berries.

And another thing if we ever want to sell here, it will sell quicker when there are improvements. The way it is now, no one would care for it. It can be made awfully nice in time.

You should see the pen I am writing with but it writes better than anything around here. It is a pen Father bought for me in Ch'go when I was a little girl. It is only seven inches long and as fat as a match. I have a hard time holding on to it. 

I asked Father about the mail being delivered here and he doesn't know how soon it will be, and so dear you had better give the Whittier Blvd., address and we can see about it when you come.

Billy and Father have just come home from the new house. They used all the lumber they had and so had to call it done for the time being. They most part of it is done, all that is left is the roof, plaster board walls and hanging doors and windows. It is a cute little place, only two rooms. When they build on, these two rooms will be turned into bed rooms.

Well dearest lover it is supper time and I must help Mother. She sends her love to you dear, as ever. I have no more news and so will close. With all the love in the world that I possess, for you dear I remain as ever yours only and lovingly,

Edythe.

P.S. - Dear, Mother thinks it best not to send the berries in the letter so will send them separately. Someone might tear this open and you would not get it.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.

October 13, 1922 "...one day nearer together"

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468 East 67th St.,

Chicago,

Illinois.

Return address:

E. G. Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.

Los Angeles, Cal,

c/o Loftus Land Co.

Los Angeles, Cal.,

Oct 13 - 1922.

Dearest Rayson:

I will write you a few lines while I have a little time for I haven't written since Monday night. How are you dear by now? I hope you are feeling better again for I worry so about you.

We are all quite well except Vera, she has a terrible cold from not dressing warm enough during the day. One has to be awfully careful here for over a year. It is warm in the daytime, especially just at noon, and cold at night. 

Mother hasn't become rested from packing and traveling. She is working as hard as ever, I help all I can but Vera seems to think that Mother is made of iron, I guess. Leave it to her to take things easy.

Tuesday night we drove over to Noack's. They used to live near Armstrong's in Ottawa. Billy wanted to get him to help build their house Sunday. They have an awfully cute place, made most of it themselves.

As soon as Vera's house is finished, which should not take more than two days, we will start building on here. I am so anxious to start it, then we can go ahead and get furniture and fix the place up. I am afraid dear you will get an awful shock when you see this place. It is all very rough looking as yet, we haven't had a word about gas or paving. The grass, of course, will start when the rains commence. The house is well enough, or will be, if the surroundings were a little more pleasant.

Have you heard anything of Mr. Rice whereabouts? I do wish he would get back so you could come. I miss you so dear since I have been here. You seem so near me and yet you are so far away. We will make up for all the time lost when you come, won't we dear. I do hope you can come soon.

The sun is going down again and another day is almost gone, which brings us one day nearer together. There are eighteen days left in this month and I am going to work just as hard as I can in hopes that they will go faster.

Darling it is supper time and I must close and help Mother. With all my love for you, my own, I remain as ever and always,

Yours lovingly

Edythe.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.

October 9, 1922 - Mother writes to Rayson

Addressed to:

Mr. G. Rayson Brown.

1468. East 67th St.

Chicago Illinois.

Return address:

Mrs Edith A. Sisson.

5009 Whittier Blvd.

Los Angeles Calif.

c/o Loftus Land Co.

Los Angeles Calif.

Oct 9 - 1922.

Rayson my dear boy:-

You dont know how glad we were to hear from you, it has seemed such a long long time since the last Sunday we were togather and we both were sad at leaving you and Aunt Vick behind.

Rayson you asked how I liked the trip,. well I enjoyed it very much, but I was beginning to get tired, and I would suggest when you come to come on the Santa Fe. Dickey stood the trip fine once in a while when the train would stop he would start in and sing. 

I like it out here very much. There is some beautiful places and I know you are going to like it too.

We were over to Long Beach a week ago Sunday to see my Sister, (Aunt Mae) and she certainly looks fine. in the evening we all went down to the ocean and watched the breakers roll in, it certainly was a wonderful sight.

Now my dear boy I can assure you that every thing is going to be all right in regard to your coming here. I told our Father and he said it would be all right, for you to come ahead and when you find work you can pay board if you feel as though you should. we want you to come and feel right at home.

Now Rayson in regard to the secret we have between us. I think it will be impossible for us to carry it out, and if you dont care, I will tell her for I think she would much rather go to the Depot to meet you, she certainly has been one sad girl since she left you.

Now my dear boy let us know just when you are coming and and we will gladly meet you. Every one here are well with the exceptions of Vera and I and we have the hives. but they dont hinder us from eating. Rayson you never saw any one eat like we do. we are always hungry. the white grapes here are just grand we bought a bunch to-day that weighed 3 lbs. and as sweet as honey.

Well my dear boy I will have to stop writing and get busy. I am varnishing the wood-work and will soon be through. Take good care of your-self and write me soon.

With much love and a great big kiss to my boy, I am

Loveingly 

Your Mother.

For links to all the letters in this collection, go to https://ordinaryancestors.blogspot.com/p/edythe-and-rayson-love-letters.html where they are organized by date written.