Velma Lorene Lawley, 87, of Bridgeport and formerly of Olney, went home to be with her Lord Thursday, February 5, 2009, at Lawrence Community Health Center in Bridgeport.

Mrs. Lawley was born on June 8, 1921, in Bridgeport, the daughter of the late Clara Belle (Potts) and Clarence Meadows. She married William Arthur Lawley. He preceded her in death.

She worked for more than 50 years in direct sales, first with Avon and then with Hillestad International, Inc., where she excelled both as a field director and sales manager. Throughout this period of time, she found a way to serve her community as a volunteer through Christian radio, Birthright International, local election officer and various other civic organizations.

A woman of faith, Lorene was dedicated to personal evangelism throughout the world. As a certified lay speaker, she served her local church as well as the missions outreach of OMS International. As an honorary missionary for this organization, she formed many intercessory prayer groups and traveled extensively to mission fields both nationally and abroad. For several years she served others through Lay Witness Missions work with the United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Lawley is survived by four children, Barbara Stinnet, Mary Sue "Susie" Short, Rebecca Swisher, and James Lawley; six grandchildren, Zachary Stinnett, Debbie Short Briggs, Stephen and Michael Swisher, Jennifer Lawley Howerton and Pamela Lawley Offield; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves a brother, Harold Meadows.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her granddaughter, Sarah Stinnett.

Services  at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Olney with Rev. Jeremy Henson and Rev. Paul Good officiating, burial in Haven Hill Cemetery in Olney.