Gretna……Brenda Layne Velarde, age 65 of Gretna died Sunday, December 17, 2017 as result of an automobile accident.
Born February 20, 1952 she was a daughter of the late Burton Clark Layne, Sr. and Evelyn Bobbitt Layne. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Lucy Whitlock Milam Layne and Burton Hiram Layne; her maternal grandparents, John Thomas Bobbitt and Claire Jordan Bobbitt; and a brother, Burton Clark Layne, Jr. Ms. Velarde attended Mt. Vernon United Methodist church and was active in the church choir and handbell choir. She was a former music teacher for Pittsylvania County Schools. Brenda graduated from Hermitage High School in Richmond in 1970 and then received her Bachelor of Arts degree from VCU. She toured with the VCU acapella choir in Italy while earning her undergraduate degree. Ms. Velarde was one of the founding members of the Gretna Little Theatre, where she served on the board of directors for the last 10 years, she also served as music director, acted and sang in some the shows. She also sang with the Danville Area Choral Arts Society.
She is survived by her cousins, Linda Layne Henderson and husband, Larry of Burlington, NC, Gerald Carter Layne and wife, Lora Rowland Layne of Long Island, Tony Layne and wife, Margie of Gretna; Linda's children, Michael Lee Henderson, Kate Bostrom Henderson and Carter Ray Henderson; Gerald's children, Justine Nichole Layne and Carter Thomas Layne; Tony's children, David Layne, Megan Layne and Jessica Layne; a step-daughter, Angelica Arthur and husband, Jason, and their daughter, Jessie Arthur; and special friends, "Zeke" Lewis and Shirley Hall.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 P.M. Friday, December 22, 2017 at Colbert-Moran Chapel by Rev. Bart Fletcher. Burial will follow in Gretna Burial Park.
The family will receive friends 7 to 8 P.M. Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Gretna Little Theatre, P.O. Box 630, Gretna, VA 24557.
Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.