Wilma Mae Noynaert

She was born September 21, 1923 in New Canton, IL to John Wesley and Ethel (Collier) Evans. She married Joseph F. Noynaert on June 3, 1951 in New Canton. He preceded her in death on August 12, 1974 in Peoria. Also preceding her in death are her parents; one sister, Grace Duncan; and two brothers, Lee Evans and Paul Evans.

Surviving are one daughter, Barbara (Gary) Gordon of Peoria; son, Evan (Elaine) Noynaert of St. Joseph, MO; three grandsons, Wesley and Brandon Gordon of Peoria and Joe Noynaert of St. Joseph, MO; granddaughters, Katie Dale and Michelle BeDonker of Des Moines, IA; great granddaughters, Dayana and Ryleigh Gordon of Peoria, Addy BeDonker and Allie and Mason Dale of Des Moines, IA.

Wilma worked 33 years for Peoria School District 150 as a teacher and administrator. Upon retirement she was the assistant director of special education and she also was the director of Project Upward (an adult literacy program) based in the Peoria County Regional Superintendent of Schools under Gerald Brookhart at that time.

She was a graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in elementary education. Wilma received a Master’s in special education from Illinois State University. She completed the course work for a doctorate but had an internship and dissertation to complete.

Wilma worked for ISU as an adjunct professor supervising many in the junior participant program and was often recognized for her assistance and encouragement in research conducted. She cultivated friendships with her students that endured throughout her life.

Wilma was a member of the Peoria Retired Teachers Association and a member of New Beginnings Fellowship in Christ in Pekin, IL.

Cremation will be accorded and a burial of the urn will be at a later date at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.

Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to CEFCU for the benefit of Wilma Noynaert.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.davison-fulton.com.