Iris Dixon Wilder

Born May 28, 1927 in Jacksonville, Florida, where she remained a lifelong resident, and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School.

Iris spent her early career as an Executive Administrator at Charter Mortgage Corporation. She was an active member of the American Business Women’s Association, using her leadership skills to advance women in the workforce. She discovered her real passion when she opened “Little Rascals Daycare”. Each one of “her” children who affectionately call her “Nana” were loved as her own. She later moved to the country with her Husband, growing fruits and vegetables, tending to horses, and raising chickens. She even had an earthworm farm for local fishermen, who would stop by, pick up a carton or two and leave their money in a shoe box. This was her dream life along with creating lasting memories with her grandchildren.

She was a faithful member of Lighthouse Baptist Church where she devoted much of her time organizing social gatherings and putting to use her amazing cooking skills. Iris was an accomplished seamstress, where no pattern or design were ever too difficult. She loved to spend time camping with family and friends, at Ocean Pond, Strickland’s Landing or the Great Smoky Mountains. She enjoyed square dancing with her beloved husband for many years although she would say her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her the most joy, especially in her later days.

Iris or “MiMi” to her family is preceded in death by her husband Joseph Wilder; son Samuel Hearn and grandson Michael Joseph Sima.

She is survived by her son Joseph (Jody) Wilder; daughter Pamela Sima; granddaughter Lindzy Michelle Sima; great-grandsons Kai, Will and Keller. She is also survived by her sister Virginia Carmichael, many nieces, nephews and loving friends

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Riverside Memorial Park at 1pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the SHAFFER family.