Wilma Joyce Hayek

Wilma Joyce Hayek

March 3, 1939 – March 19, 2025

Wilma (Willie) Joyce Hayek, 86, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on March 19, 2025. Wilma was born on March 3, 1939, to Joe W. and Lillie (Jurica) Hayek in Corpus Christi, Texas. After graduating as valedictorian from West Oso High School in 1957, she went on to attend the James R. Dougherty Jr. School of Nursing at Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi and graduated September 1, 1960. She received her nursing certificate as a registered nurse from the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas on June 8, 1961. Wilma then earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Incarnate Word College (now University of the Incarnate Word) in San Antonio in 1963. She later received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas in 1972.

She began her nursing career at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., from 1960 to 1961. She continued her career with Spohn Hospital back in Corpus Christi before joining the nursing staff at Robert B. Green School of Nursing in San Antonio from 1962 to 1968, where she became acting director from 1968 to 1971. She authored "The History of the Robert B. Green Memorial Hospital School of Nursing: 1916-1971," which documented the institution's history and its contributions to nursing education. In 1974, she became an instructor at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing in San Antonio and was promoted to professor later that year, serving until her retirement in 2001. After retiring, she devoted her time to caring for her mother until Lillie's passing in 2016.

Wilma was a member and co-director of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) Consortium in San Antonio from 1990 to 1992. She was also a member of the Texas League for Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the San Antonio Nurses Political Action Committee since 1985. Wilma belonged to the Texas Nurses Association and served as chair of its governmental affairs committee from 1988 to 1990. She has been listed as a noteworthy medical/surgical nurse by Marquis Who's Who. Wilma was known for co-authoring the book "Essential Drug Dosage Calculations," published in 2000.

Affectionately known by her loved ones as Willie, she was a vibrant and fun-loving person, known for her infectious smile that could brighten any room. She was an avid lover of the outdoors, with a passion for capturing nature's beauty through photography. Her hobbies included baking, gardening, playing golf, and traveling to beautiful places. Above all, she cherished spending time with family and friends. The bond between Willie and her brother David was especially strong, particularly after the loss of their mother. They supported each other in a unique and special way.

Wilma was preceded in death by her father, Joe W. Hayek; mother, Lillie Jurica Hayek; brothers, Edward G. Hayek and Robert L. Hayek; nephew, Mark Hayek; and nephews-in-law, Jeff Barrett and Broc Elmore.

She is survived by her brother, David (Regina) Hayek; sister-in-law, Lela Hayek; nieces, Lori Barrett, Rebecca Hayek Turner, Susannah Elmore, and Catherine (Jeff) Hayek-Nierenberg; niece-in-law, Imogene Hayek; nephew, Michael (Brandi) Peel; great-nieces and great-nephews include Katelyn Turner, Tristen Barrett, Kate (Josh) Barrett Miller, Ashton Elmore, Cadence Elmore, Jolie Elmore, Drake Elmore, Cassie Hayek, Sarah (Indalecio Jr.) Ortega, Brody (Stephanie) Hayek, Bella Hayek, Skylar Ortega, and Camille Ortega.

Pallbearers will be Brody Hayek, Maynard Menn, Michael Peel, Indalecio Ortega Jr., Katelyn Turner, and Jeff Nierenberg.

David and his family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Amanda Crews and Doris Green along with Helping Our Seniors company for their compassionate care of Wilma. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Wilma's memory. Donations can be made online at alz.org/donate or by phone at 800-272-3900.

Wilma's passing leaves a void in the lives of all who loved her, but we find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her parents and brothers. What a joyous reunion it must have been for them all. Her memory will be cherished by many, remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and the countless lives she touched with her love and dedication.

A public visitation for Wilma will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415, Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am; Funeral service will be available to watch via live stream on the Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery Facebook page. The live stream will begin promptly at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.