Velma Murray was the youngest of 8 siblings born on July 24, 1922 to Melvin and Maggie Murray.  She was born on a plantation near the community of Beulah on the riverside between Rosedale and Benoit.  She attended a one room plantation school until the 8th grade, which was the maximum grade level that the school could have.  She was sent by her father to Mound Bayou to live with family so that she could attend high school.  Her formal education ceased at the 10th grade level, as was a common, yet great achievement for African American's living in the 1930's rural south.