Velma Jean Shaffer

Velma Jean Shaffer, 93, of Philippi, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Broaddus Hospital.

Born September 9, 1932, in Newburg, West Virginia, Velma was the daughter of Arthur and Arizonia (Wolfe) Matlick. On May 27, 1950, she married the love of her life, Karl Shaffer Jr. Their marriage spanned nearly 68 years until Karl’s passing on July 15, 2018.

Velma lived a full, busy, and independent life. A 1950 graduate of Kasson High School, she was a majorette and cheerleader who carried her school spirit and confidence throughout her life. She was proud to break barriers as the first female bus driver for Barbour County, later sharing her gift for words as a writer for The Barbour Democrat. With a sharp eye for style and detail, she co-owned Fox Glove Limited Dress Shop for over a decade and took great pride in her appearance — always put together and never leaving the house without looking her best.

She found joy in the simple pleasures: bowling with friends, going for walks, and spending quiet time on her deck watching birds and deer wander through her yard. Family, community, and service meant everything to her. Velma was a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter #41, where she was deeply involved and served as Worthy Matron, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Velma leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her children, Joyce Halfin of Mt. Clare; Randy Shaffer and wife Becky of Philippi; K.J. Shaffer and wife Cathy of Marietta, Georgia; Shelley Sergent and husband Steve of Mechanicsville, Virginia; and Rodney Shaffer and wife Shirley of Philippi. She was a proud grandmother to Jay Shaffer, Josh Halfin, Jeremy Halfin, Cassandra Pratt, Kody Shaffer, Jaron Shaffer, Whitney Guthrie, Tara Whetsel, Sonya Stahl, Dylan Shaffer, Erica Marsh, and Andrew Sergent, and a beloved great-grandmother to 22 great-grandchildren.

Velma was the last surviving member of her immediate family and was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Karl; her son-in-law Tom Halfin; and her siblings, Howard and Harold Matlick, Hazel Zinn, Lucille Knotts, and Elsie Shingleton.

The graveside service has been postponed due to weather, and now will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29th 2026, at Tacy Crossroads Cemetery. A celebration of Velma’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nestorville Community Church, c/o Dotty Freeman, 503 Baughman Road, Philippi, WV 26416.