Vella Brumley

Vella Jean “Marie” Brumley passed away peacefully from a brief illness, surrounded by family, on April 23, 2025, after a full and vibrant 92 years. Marie was born in Hardenville, Missouri to parents Ruth and William Strong on January 12, 1933. She attended high school in Gainesville, Missouri before marrying Cecil Arnold Terry on August 25, 1948.

Together, Cecil and Marie would have five children- Arnold, Jennifer, Ivan, Cindy, and Vaughn. Their family was raised in a modest home in Joplin, Missouri’s East Town where Marie busied herself with the PTA, making costumes for school productions, and imparting a love and appreciation for nature, as well as a reverence for the Heavenly Father. In 1971, Cecil and Marie moved back to Gainesville to build a home on land that had been in Marie’s family for generations. Here, they raised cattle and explored the mysteries and wonder of creation with Cindy and Vaughn. Marie loved spending time with her flowers, kitties, chickens, cattle, and garden. She claimed that raising her family was her greatest joy and accomplishment.

Cecil and Marie would eventually purchase a neighboring farm to Jenny and their son-in- law, Sam, located in Vinita, Oklahoma. Just a few years later, after enjoying a beautiful 48-year marriage, Cecil would pass away on February 18, 1997.

As the years passed, Marie would share her joy for living with her grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as “Granny Rea.” On June 18, 2005, Marie’s family would expand as she married Yakima Brumley. They would enjoy a meaningful, 12-year marriage until Yak’s passing on March 23, 2018.

Throughout her life, Marie attended Faith Baptist in Joplin for many years and was a member of Kelso Baptist in Vinita at the time of her passing. Marie lived her life with great intention and grace, showing us all the beauty that can come from a simple life built on love, hard work, and faith in the Heavenly Father.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth White Strong Lawson and William Strong; stepfather Troy Lawson; first husband, Cecil Terry; second husband, Yakima Brumley; siblings, Velva Whisnant, Darrell Strong, and James Lawson; stepdaughter, Karen Huntley; son-in-laws, Mike Carden and Sam Wynn; and grandchildren, Melissa Terry and Joseph Wynn.

Marie’s legacy lives on through her surviving family; siblings, Faye Warren, Sharon Rich, and Thomas Lawson; Children Arnold (Pat) Terry, Jennifer (Norm) Jepson, Ivan (Jerie) Terry, Cindy Carden, and Vaughn (Shelly) Terry; grandchildren, Shelly Hency, Trish Baker, Sammy Wynn, Roger Wynn, Patrick Wynn, Ivan Terry II, Audra Terry, Olivia Pierce, Adam Carden, Kyle Carden, Garrett Terry, Ashleigh Baxter, Meagan Spangler, and Chris Huntley. Marie is also survived by 32 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Marie’s family invites you to her visitation and memorial service hosted at Mason-Woodard located at 3701 E. Seventh St. in Joplin, Missouri on Saturday, May 3rd. The visitation will start at 10:00am with an 11:00am service.

A brief graveside ceremony will take place at Ozark Memorial Cemetery immediately following.