Wilma Gordon

Wilma Jo Gordon, 92, went home to be with the Lord on July 30, 2023. Wilma grew up in Arkansas during the depression and WW II, but her resilient nature and vivacious personality took her through life with a positive ‘can do’ spirit. She spent over 60 years as a nurse and CRNA caring meticulously for her patients. In addition to being a first responder, Wilma was also a wife, mother, sister and friend. And she lived her life focused on the people around her, whether at work or away. She developed her interest and talents offering support for others early on in life beginning with her younger siblings growing up. She continued serving as a Girl Scouts Leader and was a dedicated Waverly Tiger fan. She supported others in need as opportunity provided, hauling generators and supplies to North Carolina hurricane victims and enjoyed helping prepare meals for a sickly friend or any number of different events or gatherings. Wilma especially enjoyed her friends in Waverly and shared many wonderful memories of her time with The Bridge Club, working out at the YMCA, relaxing by the pool at the Pike County Swim Club, and tailgating at Tiger games. In fact, sports and games were a highlight of Wilma’s life. She was an avid Buckeye fan, enjoyed hiking, and along with Bridge, liked playing Scrabble, Chinese Checkers, bowling, and wiffle ball (with her grandsons), to name just a few. Wilma was also athletic and excelled in basketball. She was All-State girl’s basketball in high school and went on to play Women’s Professional Basketball in Memphis, TN. While living in Memphis Wilma met Jerry, the love of her life, a tall sailor at a USO dance, who became her husband of 67 years. Wilma is survived by her daughter and son and their families: Leslie and Kirk (and sons Carl and Micah), Joel and Robin (and daughter Brieanne, and grandsons Finn and Ryder), her brother Kenneth and sister Hazel, and her sisters-in-law Greta and Linda. While all are deeply saddened at Wilma’s passing, we rejoice that her faith and understanding of God’s word ensured her present standing in Heaven, where she has been reunited with her husband, parents, sister, and brothers-in-law who preceded her in death.