Velma N. Simonsen
Born: 15 July 1896
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 1947
Released: 1956
Died: 22 December 1991
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 1947
Released: 1956
Died: 22 December 1991
Biographical Articles
Relief Society Magazine, July 1945, Velma Nebeker Simonsen
Relief Society Magazine, December 1947, Velma N. Simonsen Named Second Counselor in General Presidency
Relief Society Magazine, March 1957, Velma N. Simonsen Retires from General Presidency
Relief Society Magazine, December 1947, Velma N. Simonsen Named Second Counselor in General Presidency
Relief Society Magazine, March 1957, Velma N. Simonsen Retires from General Presidency
Nelson, Virginia Cannon. "Velma Nebeker Simonsen." Relief Society Magazine. July 1945. pg. 408, 448.
Velma Nebeker Simonsen
Virginia Cannon Nelson
THE appointment of Velma Nebeker Simonsen to the General Board of Relief Society will be applauded by everyone who has ever known Velma as a fitting honor to her and a happy selection for the Board.
Velma's virtues are as fixed and true as the four points of a compass. The magnetic north is her faith in God, her strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, her orthodox religious life, and her missionary spirit. At right angles to her religious side is her willingness to serve. Another cardinal point of her compass is her genuine friendliness and optimism. Velma likes people and work. As steady as the prevailing winds from the west are Velma's energy and enthusiasm.
Her new assignment is the culmination of a long list of Church activities. For the past year Velma has been the energetic and lovable president of Yale Ward Relief Society. Previously she served as counselor in the same organization. As theology teacher in both Yale and Wasatch Wards she gave an eloquent interpretation of gospel doctrine. There are few positions in the auxiliary organizations in which Velma has not served. She has filled two missions in the Northwest, the first one in 1920. It was while teaching the Indian mission school in Montana that she met her husband, also a missionary.
Velma Simonsen was born in Annabella, Utah, a daughter of Adelmon and May H. Nebeker, both of pioneer stock. She attended school in Sevier County and later at Brigham Young University. She also had ^le experience of teaching school in Sevier County.
Her husband, John O. Simonsen, at present a high councilman in Bonneville Stake, served five years in the Yale Ward bishopric. Their life together is a pattern of love, understanding, and helpfulness. Velma's load will never be too heavy, because John stands beside her. They have four children: Winona, a graduate of the University of Utah; John M., at Stanford in the army; Robert, a high school student, and Richard, aged twelve.
Anything Velma undertakes she does with thoroughness, competence, and skill. She is a good neighbor, a thoughtful friend. She is intelligent, progressive, alert to improvement. Above all, she is zealous in her love of the gospel and her service to the Church. She is the embodiment of the thirteenth Article of Faith: “. . . If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy," she seeks after these.
Velma Nebeker Simonsen
Virginia Cannon Nelson
THE appointment of Velma Nebeker Simonsen to the General Board of Relief Society will be applauded by everyone who has ever known Velma as a fitting honor to her and a happy selection for the Board.
Velma's virtues are as fixed and true as the four points of a compass. The magnetic north is her faith in God, her strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, her orthodox religious life, and her missionary spirit. At right angles to her religious side is her willingness to serve. Another cardinal point of her compass is her genuine friendliness and optimism. Velma likes people and work. As steady as the prevailing winds from the west are Velma's energy and enthusiasm.
Her new assignment is the culmination of a long list of Church activities. For the past year Velma has been the energetic and lovable president of Yale Ward Relief Society. Previously she served as counselor in the same organization. As theology teacher in both Yale and Wasatch Wards she gave an eloquent interpretation of gospel doctrine. There are few positions in the auxiliary organizations in which Velma has not served. She has filled two missions in the Northwest, the first one in 1920. It was while teaching the Indian mission school in Montana that she met her husband, also a missionary.
Velma Simonsen was born in Annabella, Utah, a daughter of Adelmon and May H. Nebeker, both of pioneer stock. She attended school in Sevier County and later at Brigham Young University. She also had ^le experience of teaching school in Sevier County.
Her husband, John O. Simonsen, at present a high councilman in Bonneville Stake, served five years in the Yale Ward bishopric. Their life together is a pattern of love, understanding, and helpfulness. Velma's load will never be too heavy, because John stands beside her. They have four children: Winona, a graduate of the University of Utah; John M., at Stanford in the army; Robert, a high school student, and Richard, aged twelve.
Anything Velma undertakes she does with thoroughness, competence, and skill. She is a good neighbor, a thoughtful friend. She is intelligent, progressive, alert to improvement. Above all, she is zealous in her love of the gospel and her service to the Church. She is the embodiment of the thirteenth Article of Faith: “. . . If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy," she seeks after these.
Spafford, Belle S. "Velma N. Simonsen Named Second Counselor in General Presidency." Relief Society Magazine. December 1947. pg. 801-802.
Velma N. Simonsen Named Second Counselor in General Presidency of Relief Society
President Belle S. Spafford
ON October 2, 1947, Sister Velma Nebeker Simonsen was named second counselor in the General Presidency of Relief Society to succeed Sister Gertrude R. Garff whose resignation was made necessary because of increased home responsibilities.
Sister Simonsen is well known to Relief Society women, having served as a member of the General Board since April 1945, during which time she has visited many of the stakes of the Church where she has conducted Relief Society conventions and where her capabilities and friendly personality have won her a host of friends.
In addition to conducting Relief Society stake conventions, Sister Simonsen has filled many special assignments as a member of the General Board and has served as chairman of a number of standing committees. Her work as chairman of the work meeting committee has been particularly successful as is evidenced by the great interest shown in the activities of this day and in the increased number of women participating in the sewing program.
Throughout her lifetime, Sister Simonsen has been active in Church work, serving all of the auxiliaries at various times. She has filled two missions in the Northwest, teaching for two years the Indian mission school in Montana. She has had wide experience in both ward and stake Relief Society work. At the time of her appointment to the General Board she was president of the Yale Ward Relief Society. Her experience in ward and stake Relief Society work has given her an unusually fine understanding of the program of the Society and a deep appreciation for the workers who carry it forward.
Her love for Relief Society and for the sisters who comprise its membership is constant and sincere.
She is faithful to duty and an energetic and indefatigable worker. She is possessed of many capabilities which, coupled with her great enthusiasm and friendliness, inspire in those with whom she works a confidence in her leadership, a desire to further the program which she espouses, and a love for her as an individual.
In filling a position such as that to which Sister Simonsen has been called, the full support of husband and family is of great importance. This she enjoys to a marked degree. Her husband, John O. Simonsen, is a member of the Bonneville Stake High Council. Brother and Sister Simonsen have four children, Winona, John M., now a missionary in the East Central States Mission, Robert, and Richard.
In her new position as counselor in the General Presidency, Sister Simonsen will be assigned, in addition to her regular duties as counselor, the general supervision of the Temple-Burial Clothes Department of the General Board and the Mormon Handicraft Shop, positions she is well qualified to hold through aptitude, interest, and experience.
In her new and important assignment, Sister Simonsen enjoys the full confidence of her fellow members of the General Board. It is our prayer that in this position, her firm testimony of the gospel, her capabilities, and her lovable spirit will further reach out to the sisters of Relief Society to influence and bless them, and that she will enjoy and find great satisfaction in her new opportunities for service to her Church through Relief Society.
Velma N. Simonsen Named Second Counselor in General Presidency of Relief Society
President Belle S. Spafford
ON October 2, 1947, Sister Velma Nebeker Simonsen was named second counselor in the General Presidency of Relief Society to succeed Sister Gertrude R. Garff whose resignation was made necessary because of increased home responsibilities.
Sister Simonsen is well known to Relief Society women, having served as a member of the General Board since April 1945, during which time she has visited many of the stakes of the Church where she has conducted Relief Society conventions and where her capabilities and friendly personality have won her a host of friends.
In addition to conducting Relief Society stake conventions, Sister Simonsen has filled many special assignments as a member of the General Board and has served as chairman of a number of standing committees. Her work as chairman of the work meeting committee has been particularly successful as is evidenced by the great interest shown in the activities of this day and in the increased number of women participating in the sewing program.
Throughout her lifetime, Sister Simonsen has been active in Church work, serving all of the auxiliaries at various times. She has filled two missions in the Northwest, teaching for two years the Indian mission school in Montana. She has had wide experience in both ward and stake Relief Society work. At the time of her appointment to the General Board she was president of the Yale Ward Relief Society. Her experience in ward and stake Relief Society work has given her an unusually fine understanding of the program of the Society and a deep appreciation for the workers who carry it forward.
Her love for Relief Society and for the sisters who comprise its membership is constant and sincere.
She is faithful to duty and an energetic and indefatigable worker. She is possessed of many capabilities which, coupled with her great enthusiasm and friendliness, inspire in those with whom she works a confidence in her leadership, a desire to further the program which she espouses, and a love for her as an individual.
In filling a position such as that to which Sister Simonsen has been called, the full support of husband and family is of great importance. This she enjoys to a marked degree. Her husband, John O. Simonsen, is a member of the Bonneville Stake High Council. Brother and Sister Simonsen have four children, Winona, John M., now a missionary in the East Central States Mission, Robert, and Richard.
In her new position as counselor in the General Presidency, Sister Simonsen will be assigned, in addition to her regular duties as counselor, the general supervision of the Temple-Burial Clothes Department of the General Board and the Mormon Handicraft Shop, positions she is well qualified to hold through aptitude, interest, and experience.
In her new and important assignment, Sister Simonsen enjoys the full confidence of her fellow members of the General Board. It is our prayer that in this position, her firm testimony of the gospel, her capabilities, and her lovable spirit will further reach out to the sisters of Relief Society to influence and bless them, and that she will enjoy and find great satisfaction in her new opportunities for service to her Church through Relief Society.
Spafford, Belle S. "Velma N. Simonsen Retires from General Presidency." Relief Society Magazine. March 1957. pg. 158.
Velma N. Simonsen Retires From General Presidency
President Belle S. Spafford
THE General Presidency of Relief Society announces that on January 2, 1957, response to her request, Sister Velma N. Simonsen was released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency of Relief Society and as a member of the general board.
The announcement of her release will bring a sense of loss to Relief Society sisters throughout the Church. At the same time, there will be feelings of gratitude for the happy associations they have had with her and for the able leadership she has given them.
Sister Simonsen was named a member of the general board in May 1945. In this calling, her leadership ability so asserted itself that when Sister Gertrude R. Garff was released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency, October 2, 1947, Sister Simonsen was called to fill this important position.
During the time that she has held this office, she has given faithful, devoted, and capable service. In addition to her general duties as counselor, she has had charge of the work meeting program, and also the annual stake Relief Society conventions. She has had continuous supervision of the Mormon Handicraft Shop, and for several years she supervised the Temple Clothing Department. As a member of the General Presidency, she has continuously served as an advisory member of the General Church Welfare Committee and, in addition, has been a member of the Deseret Industries Committee.
To all of these assignments she has brought enthusiasm, coupled with good judgment, ability, and a willingness to serve. Sister Simonsen has a strong faith in God and an abiding testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her warm, friendly personality, together with her genuine love for the sisters of the Church have drawn them to her in love and admiration.
She has been a loyal and valued counselor and her contribution to the work of Relief Society has been a significant one that will stand a credit to her always.
Her associates of the general board love and esteem her as an able leader with whom they have enjoyed a close, personal relationship. It is with regret that they part with her as one of their number, wishing for her always the choice blessings of our Heavenly Father.
Velma N. Simonsen Retires From General Presidency
President Belle S. Spafford
THE General Presidency of Relief Society announces that on January 2, 1957, response to her request, Sister Velma N. Simonsen was released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency of Relief Society and as a member of the general board.
The announcement of her release will bring a sense of loss to Relief Society sisters throughout the Church. At the same time, there will be feelings of gratitude for the happy associations they have had with her and for the able leadership she has given them.
Sister Simonsen was named a member of the general board in May 1945. In this calling, her leadership ability so asserted itself that when Sister Gertrude R. Garff was released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency, October 2, 1947, Sister Simonsen was called to fill this important position.
During the time that she has held this office, she has given faithful, devoted, and capable service. In addition to her general duties as counselor, she has had charge of the work meeting program, and also the annual stake Relief Society conventions. She has had continuous supervision of the Mormon Handicraft Shop, and for several years she supervised the Temple Clothing Department. As a member of the General Presidency, she has continuously served as an advisory member of the General Church Welfare Committee and, in addition, has been a member of the Deseret Industries Committee.
To all of these assignments she has brought enthusiasm, coupled with good judgment, ability, and a willingness to serve. Sister Simonsen has a strong faith in God and an abiding testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her warm, friendly personality, together with her genuine love for the sisters of the Church have drawn them to her in love and admiration.
She has been a loyal and valued counselor and her contribution to the work of Relief Society has been a significant one that will stand a credit to her always.
Her associates of the general board love and esteem her as an able leader with whom they have enjoyed a close, personal relationship. It is with regret that they part with her as one of their number, wishing for her always the choice blessings of our Heavenly Father.