Friends of Velma "Jean" Booze-Calhoun may call one hour before the 1p.m. service, Thursday June 8th, 2023 at the Pilgrim Rest M. B. Church. Where Pastor Danny T. Brown will officiate, with cremation to follow.

Velma J. Booze-Calhoun 84 of Elkhart, departed this life at 5:33 a.m. on May 30, 2023 at the home of her daughter following a brief illness.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee on December 16, 1938 to the late Robert E. Bess Sr. and Thelma L.(Fletcher) Reeves, and later married Earl E. Calhoun Jr. in Elkhart. Surviving are her children, Stephanie Conard, Nelson (Simone) Lewis, Robert (Arnola) and Robbin Sharp all of Elkhart.; Debra Johnson, Bryant Calhoun, Michael Taylor and Timothy(Mikki)Taylor, as well as a host of (too many to count)grandchildren and Great- grandchildren. Sisters Hazel Hill-Kittson of Rancho Cucamonga, California. Deloris Underwood of Houston, Tx. Miriam Jackson of Kalamazoo, Mich. and Elizabeth Jackson of Dallas, Tx. and brother Robert E. Sykes of Illinois as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl Jr., five sisters: Mary Alice Artemus, Bernadette Hill, Rolena Cannon, Robbie L. Bess, and Sedea M. Bess. Two brothers: Robert Esters Bess Jr.,and Robert(Bobbie)E. Bess.

Jean was a faithful member of the Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church, where she served on the Kitchen Committee and the Nurses guild, she also served as Den mother, the vice president of the Elkhart Jayshees, she was also a daughter of the pride of South Bend Elks Lodge #264, the VFW Post 9944 Ladies Auxiliary. She often worked in home care and loved to visit the Casino, bus trips, traveling, playing her records, cards and entertaining family and friends. Jean never met a stranger, as her door was always open, especially to her grandchildren and most especially the great grands. Jean will truly be missed by all who knew her. She will be most remembered by her sarcasm and her smart mouth.