Wilma Jean Ryals, age 74, of Lillington died Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at her home.
Wilma was born on December 27, 1946 in Harnett County the daughter of the late
Robert Carroll Ryals and Rosa Anne Norris Ryals and is preceded in death by her sisters, Bobby Ann Davis and Merlie Kee.
Wilma was a hard worker all her life, she worked at Erwin Mills in her early years.
She soon left the mill and became a dispatcher for law enforcement, working for Dunn Police Department and almost all of Harnett County. She was the first female Deputy for the Sheriff’s Department and was an EMT for Harnett County. She even worked for Crash, Fire and Rescue for Raleigh Durham Airport.
She owned her own restaurant called “The Sea Siren.” She was always busy doing something productive whether at her full time job or part time at other places.
A Funeral Service will be held Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Tom Wagoner and Rev. Jerome Pope officiating. Burial will follow in Erwin Memorial Park.
She is survived by: Sons: James Brown of Lillington, NC.
Chris Brown and (wife) Sheila of Raleigh, NC
Tim Brown and (wife) Karina of Lansing, Michigan
Tommy Green & (wife) Amanda of McLainsville, NC
10 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren
Sisters: Betty Ryals of Dunn, NC; Patsy Montgomery & (husband) Rick of Angier, NC; and Maurnice Peacock of Angier, NC.
The family will be receiving friends Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Central Baptist Church. Prior to the funeral.
A service of Cromartie Miller Funeral Home in Dunn, NC
