AKRON – Velma Pauline Bright, 89, of 117 S. West St., Akron, died at 12:35 a.m. Dec. 23, 2012, in Mason Healthcare, Warsaw, following a brief illness. She was born April 5, 1923, in Akron, to Clifford A. and F. Marie Slaybaugh Bright, who preceded her in death. A lifetime Akron resident, she graduated from Akron High School in 1941. She worked at Akron Public Library for 69 years and served as director for 60 years. She was a member of Akron Church of God, Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, and Youth Temperance Council, and was the secretary and treasurer of the Akron Cemetery Board for many years. She was a genealogy buff and loved to travel. She researched her ancestors clear back to the Mayflower and farther. She was related to Dr. Sippy, one of the founders of the town of Akron. She loved children and the church. At the church, she served in many capacities. She taught Sunday School classes and Junior Church, served on the Board of Trustees, helped with the Day Care duties and volunteered for many other activities too numerous to mention. She was a devoted worker and dedicated to the service of others. She will be greatly missed by everyone. Surviving are one sister, Lois Kinder, Warsaw; two nephews, Gary (and spouse Joni) Kinder and Jeremy Kinder; two nieces, Kay (and spouse Charles) Hershberger and Rachel Hershberger; and two great nephews and four great nieces. She was preceded in death by one brother, Verle Bright. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Akron Church of God, with the Rev. Terry Canfield officiating. Burial will be in Akron Cemetery. Calling is from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday at Earl-Love Funeral Home, 811 E. Rochester St., Akron. Earl-Love Funeral Home, Akron, is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials may be made to Akron Church of God, Akron WCTU, or Akron Public Library. Condolences may be sent via earllovefuneralhome@gmail.com
