Velma Jean Hamerly, 89, of Orange, Texas, passed away on January 1, 2026, in Orange.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Orange.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Beaumont, Texas, on September 9, 1936, she was the daughter of Cecil Sauls and Mary Simmons Sauls. Jean was known for her creativity and vibrant personality, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her. She devoted 30 years of her career to retail management at Palais Royal, where she exemplified leadership and earned the affection and respect of her staff. Her quick wit, feistiness, and intelligence made her a standout in the workplace, as well as in her personal life. Jean was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church of Orange. An artist at heart, Jean had a passion for ceramics and painting, which allowed her to express her creative spirit, including in her role as the costume director for the Orange Community Players, where she not only created beautiful costumes for the players, but also had the honor of painting the marquis for the building. She also served many years as a member of the Orange Community Players Board of Directors. Jean’s fondness for the beach was well known; she enjoyed her time at her beach house in Crystal Beach, where she frequently indulged in fishing and crabbing. These moments by the water are treasured memories for friends and family who came to visit her there. Throughout her life, Jean touched the lives of countless individuals with her warmth, talent, and vivacious spirit. She will be greatly missed by her friends, family, and the community she served so passionately.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Mary Sauls; her loving husband, Claude Bradley Hamerly; her sister, Dorothy Allen; and her brother, Melvin Sauls.
She is survived by her children, David Hamerly and wife, Robyn, Mary Hogg and husband, Steve, and Brad Hamerly and husband, Link Davidson; her 7 grandchildren; her 3 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Ella Dee Anders, and Bill Sauls and wife, Judy; and numerous other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Orange Community Players at www.ocplayers.org.
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