Velma Lucille Royston, 87, Springfield, passed away on November 27, 2011 in Cox South after a long illness. She was born May 30, 1924 in Halltown, MO. She was one of nine children born to John and Bessie Claypool, all preceding her in death. After graduating from Lamar High School, she moved to Kansas City, working in a Defense Plant building wooden gliders. In 1946, she moved to Springfield where she met her husband of 53 years, Bill Royston. From this union three children were born. She retired from Burrell Behavior Health in 1995 after a long career in secretarial work. She is survived by a son, Randy and his wife Diana, Springfield; daughters, Sandy Church and husband Steve, Springfield, Tammy Lawrence and husband Jack Crested Butte, Co.; three grandchildren, Angie, Amanda, and Rob; along with several step-grandchildren and great grandchildren and a very special friend and companion, Jerry. Visitation will be held Friday, December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. with a memorial service following at 12:00p.m. at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole. A family burial will be held at Yeakley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association-SWMO, 1630 E. Elfindale, Springfield, MO 65807. Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.