Reverend Velma Martin Haywood was born September 23, 1948 in Timmonsville, South Carolina to the late Reverend Otis W. Martin, I and Beulah Byrd Martin. She was the youngest daughter of their union. She transitioned to her heavenly home on January 12, 2026 at the OAKS Nursing Home in Orangeburg, South Carolina after a prolonged illness.

Reverend Haywood became a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church at a young age. After dedicating 30 years in the ministry, she retired Full Elder of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Conference. She believed in the Word of God and was dedicated to training, equipping, and encouraging discipleship for Jesus Christ. Once retired, Reverend Haywood returned to her beloved church, North Orangeburg United Methodist Church.

Reverend Haywood received her primary and secondary education from Florence County public schools. She extended her post-secondary education at Claflin University. Velma became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and was a proud member of the Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter of the sorority. She graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health & Physical Education. She taught Physical Education and coached basketball in Georgia and Orangeburg public schools. Additionally, she graduated from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina with a Master of Divinity. Reverend Haywood was a strong advocate for education. As a Claflin graduate, she was a loyal alumni and scholarship supporter.

She married the love of her life, Cole B. Haywood, Sr., on November 23, 1972. Their union welcomed two sons, Cole B. Haywood, Jr. and Treavor M. Haywood.

As a Pastor, she served in the following capacity: Role Models for the Governor of South Carolina under the leadership of David Beasley, Distinguished Board of Visitors at Claflin University, Chaplin for Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital (Prisma Health) in Columbia, South Carolina, Counselor for South Carolina Division on Ministries with Young People, and Chairperson of the South Carolina United Methodist Conference Journal. She also served on the Board of Ordained Ministry.

One of Reverend Haywood's favorite scriptures, Acts 5:12 indicates, "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people." She lived to see many signs and wonders throughout her life. Some she saw during her many travels when visiting the Holy Land in Jerusalem and Africa. She also witnessed signs and wonders locally. She believed prayer changes things and miracles continually happen. As an intercessory prayer warrior, she prayed often for healing, protection, and love.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rev. Otis. W. Martin, I; her mother, Beulah Byrd Martin; her father -in law, Lawrence F. Haywood, Sr.; her mother in-law, Clary Bell Amaker Haywood; her sisters, Helen L. Martin Brooks and Barbara Jean Walker; and brother in-law, Lawrence F. Haywood, Jr.

Those who remain to cherish her memory include: her husband, Cole B. Haywood Sr.; two sons: Cole B. Haywood, Jr. (Teresa) Haywood and Treavor (Tessie) Haywood of Orangeburg, South Carolina; four grandchildren: Kersina, Guyron, Cole B. III, and Noel; one great-granddaughter, KyMani; one great-grandson, Jamari; her sister, Modestine (Milton) Ivery of Macon, Georgia; her sisters-in law, Earline H. Ulmer and Bessie (Horace) Byrd of Orangeburg; and a brother-n-law, Louis M. Haywood of Orangeburg, South Carolina. She also leaves nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will miss her dearly.