of Marion, AR

April 1, 1928 - January 21, 2024

Velma Virginia Baratti Fratesi, 95, of Marion, AR passed away peacefully on January 21, 2024 at Baptist Hospital Memphis following a brief illness.

Velma was born on April 1, 1928 to Fermina and M.C. Baratti, first generation Delta Italians. She graduated from Marion High School, where she would meet the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Joe Fratesi.

Velma and Joe farmed and raised their daughters in Marion, AR and lived there all of their lives. Velma loved to garden, was a talented seamstress and was a wonderful cook. She would mercilessly and unapologetically beat anyone at a game of cards. She was a woman of strong opinions and strong faith. She was a lifelong member of First Assembly of God Church, West Memphis, AR.

Velma was predeceased by her husband, Joe; her parents, Fermina and M.C. Baratti and her five sisters, Josephine Herr, Elizabeth Bosi, Vera Simonetti, Marie MacAskill and Patricia Seaton. She is survived by her daughters and sons in law, Leslie and David Peeples and Terre and Jim Greer; as well as her grandchildren, Channing Peeples and Collins Peeples (Leslie); as well as many dear nieces; nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Roller Citizens Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 10am followed by a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis.

Velma's favorite charities, should friends or loved ones choose to make a donation in lieu of flowers, are St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Poor Clares of the Franciscan Monastery of Saint Clare.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com