KEYSTONE — Velma Mae Bushner, 76 of Keystone, W.Va., passed away Saturday, September 19, 2009 at University of Connecticut (UCONN) Health Center in Farmington, Conn. following a long illness.

She was born on January 2, 1933 in Maybeury “Barlow Hollow,” W.Va. She was the daughter of the late Sam Henry and Iown Cofer-Hairston of Maybeury. She was preceded in death by her husband, Greene Bushner; and son, Joseph Wheeler, Jr.

She was a member of Mt. Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and Gospel Tabernacle United Holiness Church, Keystone, W.Va. While traveling abroad she worshipped at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga. and Tabernacle Baptist Church, Gastonia, N.C. She volunteered for many organizations including Parent Teacher Association, Salvation Army, and served as an election volunteer.

She leaves to cherish many fond and loving memories, daughters Sharron Gwinn of Gastonia, N.C., Dafeen Hughes of Columbus, Ohio, Laureen Safford of Hartford, Conn., Maria (Michael) Gwinn-Jackson of Windsor, Conn., Angela Booker and husband Richard of Atlanta, Ga.; son, Anthony Wheeler and wife Linda of Blacksburg, Va.; and daughter-in-law Ann Wheeler of Welch, W.Va.; two sisters, Larcenia M. Hairston and Diane Hughes of Columbus, Ohio; two brothers, Garland Hairston and wife Mary of Cleveland, Ohio, and McGlenard Hairston and wife Diane of Columbus, Ohio; 23 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Service of memory will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 26, 2009 at New Birth Christian Ministries, 3475 Refugee Rd. Columbus, OH 43232 where the family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the start of service. Pastor Kenneth Moore will be officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Burial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service, 720 E. Long Street, Columbus, OH 43203. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.diehl-whittaker.com/obits.