Roma Rose Wright Veuleman
Roma Veuleman passed away peacefully in her home February 1, 2022. She was 74. She is survived by her children: Elton R. Savell (Kristi), James A. “Bugs” Veuleman, Jr. (Ashley), Leah V. Byles (Gale); eight grandchildren: Cecily, Blake, Scott, John Tyler, Sydni, Blain, Nolan, Layton; six great-grandchildren: Zoey, Gavin, Weston, Tucker, Kasyn, and Kolt; three sisters: Fran Knott of Grapevine, TX, Syble Gandy of Many, and Rita Roark of Negreet; and two brothers: Gene Wright of Negreet, and Tony Wright of Denton TX.
She is proceeded in death by her first husband, Donald Ross Savell, and her husband of forty-five years, James A. “Buddy” Veuleman. Roma was born in Negreet, LA, on March 21, 1947. She was the daughter of the late Wilburn Nathan Wright and Dorothy Mildred Anthony Wright. Roma was the baby of the family for several years until her little brother, Tony, was born. She was reared here in Sabine Parish, and Negreet was her home for most of her life. Roma was a 1965 graduate of Negreet High School. During her high school days, she was an outstanding basketball player. She started for the Lady Indians as an eighth grader. Roma was part of a seven-year state champion winning streak where she was named as an all-state player. Roma earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Northwestern State University. Later in life, she earned her Master’s degree + 30. She also had an Associate Degree in Theology from Faith Bible Institute.
One attribute her children recall about her is that she was a devoted Christian. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church where she was the pianist. She also taught Sunday School. She loved studying the Bible. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother!
Mrs. Veuleman began and ended her teaching career at her alma-mater, Negreet High School. In 1968, she taught her first class of students. Her last class was taught in 2019 when she retired. In the years between, she wore many different hats. Mrs. V left NHS for a short time and became a Supervisor of Mathematics for the Sabine Parish School Board where she shared her love of teaching with other professionals. She then went to Northwestern State University as a Professor of Mathematics. Students recall standing in long lines trying to register for her classes. Because of the rapport she had with her students, her classes filled up quickly. Also, during her career, she served on the Sabine Parish School Board representing Negreet.
Mrs. Veuleman was a constant at Negreet High School. She seldom missed school. She arrived early, and before going to class, she could be found visiting in the office with Mr. Miller as he drank his coffee. By mid-day, she and her cronies were gathered in Mrs. Oxley’s room eating lunch and solving the world’s problems. Mrs. V always had a Diet Coke and popcorn! In the afternoons, if you were walking in the halls, you could hear her quizzing her high schoolers orally on their multiplication facts because she said they didn’t know them. She witnessed many changes in education during her career. She taught using a chalk board, an overhead projector, a dry erase board, and when the Active Board arrived, the administration had to build her a platform to stand on because she was so short.
Mrs. Veuleman was also involved in many extra-curricular activities. Many years ago, she was over the yearbook staff and developed the NHS Indian. For many years, she orchestrated the group of students that would represent NHS at the Northwest Literary Rally. This was her calling! She was so proud to work with these students and elated when they won at the regional and state levels individually, and to top it off, they always won Sweepstakes. In her words, they took it all year after year. Mrs. V was also the high school quiz bowl sponsor. She enjoyed working with these eclectic students even though she would tell you she did not have a quiz bowl mind herself. Again, under her leadership, NHS Quiz Bowl was # 1!
Mrs. Veuleman loved all sports at Negreet High School. You could find her in the stands at any baseball or softball game, but her passion was basketball. She did not miss a game whether it was at home or away. Her students could depend on her to be there to cheer them on and critique their performance the next day in class. The past few years, she really enjoyed watching her three grandsons hit the court. She loved Negreet! She would be the first to say, “It’s a Great Day to Be an Indian!”
It is said, “To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.” This is true for our beloved Mrs. Veuleman. Her students, the faculty at NHS, her friends, and her family will never forget her.
Pallbearers are Raymond Gale Byles, Ricky Rains, Jeremy Carline, Nolan Byles, Layton Byles, Blain Veuleman, Blake Savell, John Tyler Fair, and Scott Fair. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, February 6,
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Negreet, LA. Visitation will also be held at Zion Hill Baptist Church from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Saturday, February 5, 2022. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gideons or Negreet Booster Club.
