Reverend Maria Carmen Velazco, age 83 of Marion, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021 at Riverside Methodist Hospital. On December 3, 1937, she was born in Dorado, Puerto Rico, and on March 30, 1957, she married her loving husband Reverend Ernest Velazco. 

Maria worked as a hairdresser at Visible Changes Hair Salon for 30 years, and she attended Marion Christian Center for 38 years. She enjoyed traveling and ministering at other churches in different cities, states, and countries. She was an avid reader of religious literature, and she loved to cook. She enjoyed her family and family gatherings. She loved people, and people loved her. 

She is survived by her husband Reverend Ernest Velazco; her step-mother Angelina (Kuilan) Rodriguez; her son Mark (Joyce) Velazco and his children Angie and Andrew; her daughter Loré Velazco; her brother Jesus Rodriguez; her sisters Maria Louise Cardona and Nancy Guardia; numerous grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her son Steven Ernest Velazco, father Arthur Rodriguez, and her brother Joseph Rodriguez. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 3 pm at Marion Christian Center, 1550 Richland Rd., Marion, and will be officiated by Dr. James Stevens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home in order to cover medical costs.