August 13, 1928 – June 16, 2025
Wilma Consford Rushing, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted servant of her faith, passed away peacefully at Arabella Health Care Facility, where she had resided for the past two years. She was 96 years old.
Born in Bonifay, Florida, on August 13, 1928, Wilma was the cherished daughter of Otho and Odell Consford. She graduated from Holmes County High School in 1945, where her kind heart and caring spirit were evident early on—writing letters of encouragement to young men serving in WWII. Her compassion left such an impression that she even received a few marriage proposals through her correspondence.
Wilma moved to Columbus, Georgia, where she met the love of her life, William Zander Rushing. They were married in 1947 and together built a beautiful life, raising four daughters: Judy Buchanan, Patti Jenkins (Paul), Brenda French, and Lisa Rushing. Wilma’s family grew to include eight grandchildren—Billy, Christy, Dave, Lindsay, Tucker, Michele, Taylor, and Smith—and twelve great-grandchildren: Ethan, MaKenzie, Kayleigh, Rylan, Kora, Kennedy, Addie, Eli, Declan, Lorelai, Brayden and Brinkley. Her legacy of love lives on in each of them.
She retired from Bibb Manufacturing Company but found great joy in continuing to serve her community. A longtime and faithful member of Summerville Baptist Church, Wilma touched many lives through her roles as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, youth chaperone, and Mother’s Day Out caregiver. She also volunteered with the church food closet, tutored at the Baptist Center, and remained an active member of the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), where her passion for missions was deeply felt.
Wilma had a special fondness for her friends in the church’s senior group, the KY’s, and treasured their many outings together. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling, taking memorable trips to the Grand Canyon, California, Alaska, and Canada.
Wilma was preceded in death by her loving husband William Zander Rushing, her parents Otho and Odell Consford, her brother Willard Consford, her granddaughter Christy, and her sons-in-law Leon Buchanan and Kevin French.
Her warmth, strength, and steadfast faith left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She will be remembered with love and gratitude by her family, friends, and church community.
Visitation for Wilma will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 3770 Highway 431 North, Phenix City, AL 368682548. A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:40 AM, 3770 Highway 431 North, Phenix City, AL 368682548. An interment will occur at Lakeview Memory Gardens, 3800 Hwy 431 North, Alabama 36867.
