Velda Hatton Sorrells, 92, passed away on June 7, 2023, in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Velda was born on September 19, 1930, in Tulia, Texas to Victoria and Clifford Nelson. She was the oldest of five. Velda grew up in the White Flat and Russell area. She graduated from Mangum High School in 1948 and went on to attend Mangum Junior College. Velda was married to Lowell Hatton from December 13, 1952, until his death August 26, 1988. From this union the two were blessed with three children, Vicki, Marc, and the late newborn Ginger. In 1976 Velda and Lowell purchased the Mangum Star newspaper and Lowell became the publisher of the paper. Velda worked as a social worker for 25 years for the Dept. of Human Services. Upon her retirement she joined Lowell, working alongside him as a writer for the paper. On February 17, 2007, Velda married Ben Sorrells. The two resided in Mangum until recently when they moved to live in Weatherford at Brookdale Assisted Living Center. Velda loved sewing, painting, reading, growing flowers, and decorating the house. She was an accomplished seamstress, having received the Daily Oklahoman Golden Thimble award in 1980. She loved sewing for family and friends. Velda also loved spending time with family and following her kids and grandkids to sporting events. She hosted family reunions for years and she liked to travel with Vicki. Velda was a devoted member to the First United Methodist Church in Mangum, for seventy years. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.
Left to honor’s Velda’s memory are her husband Ben of Mangum; Daughter, Vicki Hatton of Weatherford; Son, Marc and wife Dawna of Covington; Grandson, Kirk Hatton and wife Emily of Sand Springs; Granddaughter, Caterina Stevens and husband Patrick of Breckenridge; Five great-grandchildren: Remy, Lowry, and Krosby Hatton; and Ellie Mae and Oliver Stevens. Sister, Joyce Smith and husband Bob; brothers Bobby Ray Nelson and wife Yolanda, and Jerry Nelson and wife Lola. She is also survived by Ben’s children, son Rick Sorrells and his wife Sue, daughter Debbi Sorrells, and grandchildren Brian Sorrells, Kristan and Matt Martinelli, Jackie and Nate Fritzel, Dak and Barbara Sorrells, and Presley Sorrells. Velda is preceded in death by her husband Lowell, infant daughter Ginger; Grandson Bryan; Parents Victoria and Clifford Nelson, and brother Ted Nelson.
The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Senior Assisted Living Center for the amazing care and love they showed Velda over the past three years.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Velda’s honor can be made to The Childrens Rehabilitation Center in Bethany, Oklahoma, or The Angel Fund through SWOSU Foundation.
To send flowers in memory of Velda Hatton Sorrells, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Funeral
11
Jun
235 S Pennsylvania Ave.
Mangum, OK 73554
Interment
11
Jun
Mangum, OK 73554
Mangum, OK 73554
