Velma Marie Hailey (known to many as Rea) was born May 3, 1957 to the late Wesley and Helen Lyde. She departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the age of 68. Velma graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 1975. That same year she dedicated her life and became one of Jehov ah’s Witnesses. Velma lived a life rooted in love, faith, and service to others. Throughout her career, Rea worked at Yale Co-op and the Shubert Theater, before later changing her profession and dedicating 22 years of faithful service to The Connecticut Heart Group, where she remained until her retirement in 2021.Rea was known for her warm contagious smile, outgoing personality, and her genuinely giving heart. She had a rare gift of instantly making people feel comfortable. She had the ability to strike a conversation with anyone and make them feel as though they had known her for years. Her kindness, laughter, and love left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Rea found great joy in participating in the field ministry and took comfort in sharing God’s word with others. She enjoyed going to lunch with her spiritual sisters and spending precious moments with her grandsons who brought her immense happiness and pride. To cherish her memory, Rea leaves her three children, Wayne Hailey, Tijana Hailey, and Mareesha Hailey; two grandsons, Makell Hailey and Damon Streater, Jr.; seven siblings, Patricia Smokes, Eula Ward, Mark (Thelma) Lyde, Yvonne (Silas) Mitchell, Cynthia Lyde, Warren (Jackie) Lyde, and Michelle Lyde-Smith. She was preceded in death by her sister, Nadine Lyde; and brother, Andrew Lyde. Velma’s life reflected her faith, kindness. and devotion to others. Though she will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing that we have a chance to see her again. A celebration of Velma’s life will take place Monday, January 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 885 Wintergreen Ave, Hamden, CT 06514.  Friends may all Monday at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 AM.  Interment will be at Hamden Plains Cemetery, Hamden.  Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511.  To leave a message of comfort for the Hailey family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com The post Velma Hailey, 68 appeared first on New Haven Independent. ...read more read less