Wilma Smith of Homewood, Alabama passed away peacefully on June 11, 2020 at age 97. Born on September 24, 1922 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Clarice and Charles J. Sigler, she became a lifelong resident of Birmingham shortly afterwards.A woman of strong Christian faith and values, Wilma was a determined person who persevered in the face of adversity against all odds. Very devoted to her family, Wilma worked tirelessly raising three children as a single parent. She retired after working diligently and efficiently for many years in office administration. She enjoyed doing needlework, especially crewel and fine-needle embroidery. More than anything else Wilma loved being with her family.
Later in life, Wilma married the love of her life Guy Smith. They spent their time traveling, attending church and being with their respective families. Guy was a wonderful husband to Wilma, and we often told him he was worth the wait—thirty years to be exact. He preceded her in death in 2005. Wilma was also preceded in death by her daughter, Ann Fountain and son-in-law Mark Fountain; brother Charles A. Sigler and sister-in-law Geneva Sigler; sister Clarice Coker and brother in-law Bobby Coker; Guy’s daughter Joanie Savage. In addition, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Durward McDonald.
Wilma is survived by her daughter Jan Bruce and her husband Jerry Bruce; son Jerry McDonald and his former wife Belinda McDonald. She is also survived by five grandsons and one granddaughter, nine great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. She loved and adored each and every one of them. Several members of her husband’s family also survive her: daughters Alicia Smith, Ellen Cannon and husband Larry; Katie Frederick and husband Tony, and Theresa Ann Brackin and husband Jerry.
Wilma will be missed by many, especially her family who loved her deeply.
She has left a legacy of hard work, faith in God, and love for us all.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
A visitation for Wilma will be held Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel, 800 Dennison Ave S.W., Birmingham, AL 35211 with a Celebration of Wilma's life following at 2:00 PM at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Smith family.
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