Ms. Velma Cutler Engelhardt, age 97, a resident of East Main Street, Washington, N.C., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, at the home of her loving niece and caretaker, Gaynelle Mills and husband, Fred. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Chocowinity, N.C., officiated by the Rev. Joseph “Sonny” Browne. Special music will be provided by the Weatherly sisters. The reception will be held for family and friends immediately following the service in the church parish hall. A private committal service will be held at Oakdale Cemetery. Fred Mills, Albert Mills, Calvin Ellis, Walt Clark, Charlie Rasmussen and Chris Minton will serve as pallbearers. Ms. Engelhardt will lie in state at Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011. The family will receive friends other times at the home of Bobby and Lisa Clark, 102 James Court in the Cypress Landing Community in Chocowinity.

Ms. Velma and her twin sister, Vivian, were born on Oct. 16, 1913, in Beaufort County, daughter of the late David R. Cutler and Maude Pipkin Cutler. She received her education through Beaufort County Schools and later attended Cosmetology School. Ms. Velma attended Trinity Episcopal Church and recently attended Gold Point Church of Christ in Robersonville. She was an avid collector, who possessed a quick wit and had a great sense of humor. Her life career was just being Velma. “She was something else.”

Survivors include her son, Roli Engelhardt of Belhaven, N.C.; daughter, Lisa E. Clark and husband, Bobby of Chocowinity, N.C.; several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by four sisters, Callorie C. Owens, Evelyn C. Morris, twin sister, Vivian C. Weatherly and Doris C. Toler.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 332, Chocowinity, NC 27817 or Gold Point Church of Christ, 8563 Hassell Road, Robersonville, NC 27871.

Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com.

Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 U.S. Highway 264 East, Washington, NC, (252) 975-4500, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Engelhardt family.