is a native of England, Arkansas, where she was raised by her parents, the late Reverend Jordan Willoughby and the late Evangelist Zenobia Willoughby. A 1981 graduate of England High School, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Central Arkansas in 1985.

After marrying her high school sweetheart, Dr. Kenneth R. Kemp, Velma embraced the life of an Army spouse, faithfully supporting her family while building a successful career in a variety of professional roles. Throughout those experiences, she discovered her true calling—serving others and strengthening communities through faith, leadership, and compassion.

Since 1999, Velma has devoted herself to nonprofit and community service. In2009, she embraced the role of First Lady of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, viewing it not simply as a title but as a God-given calling and an opportunity for servant leadership. In 2010, she transitioned from nonprofit employment to serving full time as a volunteer community leader, freely offering her time, talents, and leadership wherever God directed her.

As First Lady, Velma has intentionally strengthened and expanded Antioch Missionary Baptist Church’s Erna Baker Food Bank and Clothing Ministry, providing groceries to hundreds of families each month and clothing to individuals and families in need. She has also provided leadership for the church’s Sisterhood Ministry, Youth Department, and Ministers, Deacons, Spouses, and Widows (MDSW) Ministry, encouraging spiritual growth while empowering women and young people to pursue personal development, leadership, and positive change.

Committed to lifelong learning, Velma has completed extensive training in nonprofit management, housing programs, and grant writing through organizations including the San Antonio Area Foundation. She is also a graduate of the Masters Leadership Program of San Antonio, Class 19 (2023).

Her commitment to service extends throughout the San Antonio community. Shehas served in leadership roles with numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including the San Antonio Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; Alpha Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; the San Antonio African American Community Fund; SA100; and the Oakes Club of San Antonio.

Velma currently serves as:
• Vice President, San Antonio (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
• Secretary, Meals on Wheels San Antonio Board of Trustees
• Board Secretary, Stark College and Seminary

Through her service on the Meals on Wheels San Antonio Board of Trustees, Velma helped establish Antioch Missionary Baptist Church as a Meals on Wheels distribution site serving San Antonio’s Eastside. She also played a key role in encouraging additional churches to join the initiative, creating a collaborative effort to address food insecurity among seniors and expanding access to nutritious meals for vulnerable residents.

In recognition of her decades of servant leadership and community impact, Velma was inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in 2025alongside fourteen distinguished women whose lives have made lasting contributions to the city.

Above all, Velma believes that God is her sustainer and that every opportunity to serve is a gift from Him. Her life’s mission is to glorify God by helping others, encouraging those in need, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. She believes that if she can positively impact someone’s life along the way, then her life’s work has fulfilled its purpose.

Velma is married to Dr. Kenneth R. Kemp, a board-certified pulmonologist and Senior Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Together they are the proud parents of Rev. Jessica Kemp and Dr. Joelle Kemp Clay. She is also the devoted “Lolli” to her beloved twin granddaughters, Juniper and Jadore Clay.

Above every title and accomplishment, Velma Willoughby Kemp considers herself first and foremost a servant of her Heavenly Father, faithfully committed to serving God by serving others.