Velma Jean Redeau
On Aug. 25, 2021, Velma Jean Redeau passed away peacefully at 92 years old at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. She was born to C G and Celista Watkins on Jan. 26, 1928 in Enid, Okla. and moved to Omaha, Neb. and eventually to Portland. She was the proud mother of 10 children. Her greatest love was her family, which she always provided support and love, and all her children were proud to call her momma. Mrs. Redeau was a beloved member of Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church in Portland. She enjoyed being a Brownie leader and her house was always a place where kids gathered. She was a Head Start teacher’s aide where she shared her passion for learning with many children over the years. She retired from the Portland Public Schools district. Velma was predeceased by her parents; her brother Clarence Gene Walker, her daughter Andrea Cochran Phillips and her granddaughter Lalista Cochran. She is survived by her bother Harold “Kip” Watkins; nine children; Preston Cochran, Elijah Cochran, Cora Cochran, Albert Redeau, Philmore Redeau, Charles Redeau, Rita Redeau, Wilma Redeau and Terry Redeau; 19 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Homegoing services were held Thursday, Sept. 2, at Berean Baptist Church.