Velma Marie Autrey, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away October 1, 2025, in Bradenton Beach Florida at the age of 95. She was born on February 1, 1930, in rural southwest Colorado to Martha Kaufman Giorgetta and David Giorgetta, Jr.
Her early years were spent in the Dolores River Valley in Southwest Colorado and the towns of Rico and Dolores. He father died when she was young, so she also spent much time with her grandparents as well. She graduated from Dolores High School. She went to Fort Lewis College and then on to Business School in Salt Lake City, Utah.
At a dance in Salt Lake, she met Martin L. Autrey, who was from Texas and stationed at the Army's Dugway Proving Grounds 85 miles SW of Salt Lake.
Their connection was immediate, and only 54 days later, on December 5th, 1953, they were married as Martin received orders for Korea. He then served in Korea for the first 8 months of their marriage. Velma moved to Texas after the marriage and lived close to Martin's family while he was gone. Their union was one built on love, devotion, and resilience-values that carried them through more than five decades together.
With her training in business school, she worked as a bookkeeper at several medical and elderly care facilities as well as a few companies in other industries.
Velma and Martin raised two sons, Darin L. Autrey (born 1964) and Mark David Autrey (born 1965). Darin, an architect, is married to Dr. Carla Dean Chapman; together they share a home filled with love and furry companions. Mark, a banker, is married to Wendy Autrey; they have blessed Velma's life with three grandchildren-Sierra, Dillon, and Britlyn-and two great-grandchildren.
She was a wonderful mother, wife, housemaker and cook. She and Martin enjoyed bowling, gardening, playing cars, fishing, camping and many other hobbies. She always took very good care of herself and loved water aerobics and other activities.
After her husband passed, she moved back to Colorado and had many years again enjoying the beautiful outdoors and activities in her home state. In 2014 She moved to Florida to be closer to her son Darin and enjoy the retirement lifestyle.
She will be missed greatly.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
