Wilma Lee Black (Grimm)

Mom was born on September 28, 1933 in Springfield, MO. Her parents were John Lawrence Grimm and Edna Marie Grimm. She went home to be with the Lord on January 17, 2025 and was surrounded by her children. We will miss our mom so very much, but she is now in her forever home, in the presence of the Lord. There is no doubt she is worshiping the Lord and just resting in His presence.

Mom moved to Seattle, WA as a young adult. She worked as a jewelers’ courier in downtown Seattle. Later she started working at Manning’s Café where she met dad on May 15, 1954, they married June 4, 1955 and lived in Seattle for 52 years. Between 1956 and 1960 they had three children. She is known for her giving heart, attitude of gratitude, and demonstrating a heart full of love. Mom had a beautiful smile that was infectious; she was eager to make sure everyone was included in whatever activity, including while she was in memory care.

Mom shared she had accepted Jesus into her heart when she was 13 years old and became very active in church from then on. She had a beautiful alto voice and enjoyed singing with her family since her early childhood, later she was part of the High School Chorus and the church choir. She so enjoyed baking and participating in cookie exchanges with her friends, reading, and watching sunsets with dad at Golden Gardens. Mom loved being a stay at home mom and homemaker. She was active in the Women’s Ministry group sewing quilted blankets for Teen Challenge and also served as their Treasurer for many years. In her later years she attended the sing-spirations with friends from the Women’s Ministry group and would go out to eat with them often. Mom always looked forward to celebrating all the birthdays and the various holidays. Once she learned to drive she found an excuse to drive anywhere, often taking the long way home, she said “just to get in more practice”. She loved her trips to Missouri, and was most excited to rent a car so she could take grandma to church and on any and all errands. As an avid canner it necessitated numerous trips to central Washington to pick up fruits and berries for canning. Some other favorite trips were to the ocean and to Soap Lake to soak up some sun while lounging in the mud pools. The past several years she lived at Patriots Landing with the highlight of the week being her bus rides with her friends and caregivers. She was always first in line-an hour or more ahead of time. She never remembered where they went but said it was always a fun time.

She was dearly loved by the staff and had made many friends both in Liberty Lane (memory care) and at church.

Mom most certainly enriched our lives by the life she lived and the love that flowed from her. We will all miss our Mom and grandma but she will always be deeply cherished and dearly loved.

Mom is survived by: Her children: Linda (Richard), John (Barbara), Michael (Kelly); 7 grandchildren- Matthew (Serena), John, Natalie (Ryan), Mallory (Spencer), Elsie (Austen), Joe and Lee; 10 great grand children: Asher, Elliana, Joseph, Charlie, Tommy, Harper, Lennon, Willa, Harlan, and Hattie. Her sister- in- laws: Sheila Wilkes and Cheri McDonald and families. Niece: Judy Balder