VELVA LOUISE COUVSON

Mrs. Velva Louise McInnis Couvson, 81, of San Diego, CA, was born on March 21,
1943, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, as the seventh child of Jack and Pearlie McInnis. She
died peacefully in her San Diego home on October 26, 2024.
Velva was baptized as a Catholic and later converted to the Baptist denomination as a
young child. She was a faithful member of Antioch Baptist Church in Pascagoula until
she married Bobbie Couvson, the love of her life, and moved to California.
Velva received her early education at St. Peters Catholic School and later attended Skip
Street Elementary School in Pascagoula. She was a cheerleader at Carver High
School, graduating as Valedictorian in 1961. Velva kept in touch with many of her high
school classmates throughout the years.
She and Bobbie Couvson married in 1967 and welcomed their son, Marcus, into the
world the following year. Bobbie first met Velva while stationed at Naval Station
Pascagoula. Ironically, he initially resisted the transfer—not knowing the move would
forever change his life. Their first date was at church, where Bobbie sat on the pew next
to Velva and most of her siblings. The date ended with Bobbie taking Velva and her
siblings to Krispy Kreme to get doughnuts. For over 60 years, the deeply devoted
couple enjoyed extensive travels and visits with family and friends worldwide.
Moving to San Diego was a significant change for Velva, but she embraced it out of love
for her husband and son. She built a life with her family and was an exemplary mother,
devoted grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and human being. Velva embodied
unconditional love, strength of spirit, and boundless generosity.
She left an indelible mark on all she encountered, because of her sweet, kind, and quiet
demeanor. Velva was the person who always remembered special occasions, such as
birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, and she sent cards to family and friends alike.
Even though she loved everyone, her grandson Austin held an extremely special place
in her heart. His personality and antics sparked joy, laughter, and many conversations.
She also was incredibly proud of her son Marcus, the man he became, and the family
he has built with his wife Nakiya.
Velva is survived by her loving husband Bobbie; son Marcus (Nakiya); grandsons Austin
and Nicholas; brother-in-law Ben Couvson; sisters-in-law Lottie Couvson Washington
(George), Katie Couvson, and Maryleen Couvson Richardson; nephews Roscoe M.
Brown, Sr. (Gaberilla), Jacque Pierre McInnis, Sr., Maurice McInnis, Edward Wilson, Jr.,
Cean D. McInnis (Karen), and Julian Malone; nieces Sharon Brown Thompson, who
was more like a sister, (Ulysses), Marilyn Brown Minor, Claudia McInnis Anderson
(Leon), Deborah Grant Martin (Brian), Cynthia Henley, Marcia Hennley Kerns (Victor),
and Pamela Henley; close cousin Bettie Jean McInnis Packer; a host of other McInnis
and Couvson family members;

close friends Voncile Burton Summers, Sandra Burton Barnes, and Ray Hardimon; and
countless other friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jack McInnis, Sr. and Pearlie McInnis Nash,
sisters Nadine McInnis Brown, Comelete McInnis Fairley, Isabelle McInnis Grant,
Barbara McInnis Henley, Joyce McInnis Malone, and brothers Jack McInnis, Jr. and
Charles M. McInnis; sisters-in-law Doris Walker McInnis and Kathy Couvson; brothers-
in-law Robert Couvson, Billy Couvson, Willie James Couvson, Anglee “Brother”
Couvson; and nephews Morris L. Brown III, Vincent Walker McInnis, and Fontello R.
Brown.

Sweet rose a light, my soul delight
Still captured by that rose so bright.
All will hear and know the story,
Of this lovely roses' glory.......

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