Wilma Lee White passed away peacefully on September 9, 2021 at the age of 86. She resided in the Devine areas with her beloved husband of 66 years, Freeman. In addition to raising four children, Wilma was active in the community volunteering at the local food bank, Devine Area Artist Series, DISD, and First Baptist Church Devine where she and Freeman had been members since 1957.
Wilma was born in Von Ormy, Texas, and grew up on the family’s dairy farm. She graduated from Southwest High School where she had the honor of being the school’s first Drum Majorette. As a young girl, Wilma learned to play the piano which became a life-long passion. At 60, she mastered the mandolin. Wilma loved playing music and harmonizing with her sister, Irene. She was a founding member of the Sunshine Singers. Entertaining people gave Wilma great joy.
She was especially skilled in entertaining her grandchildren, captivating them with her story telling and live action drama. Wilma and Freeman made sure grandkids had thrill-packed experiences when they came to visit.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Terrell Shuler; brother Billy Terrell (Rose) Shuler, and sister Irene (Norman) Kenney. She leaves behind an adoring family: husband Freeman White; children Rocky (Lisa) White, Cindy (Dennis) Dunn, Sheri (Vic) Sears, and Christy (Kevin) Graham; grandchildren Dustin (Melissa) White, Crystal (Brandon) Russell, Addison Dunn, Johnny (Tori) Graham, Brett (Alyson) Dunn, Jeff (Kelly) Graham, Dylan Sears, Erik Sears, and Judd Graham. Wilma also has nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held in Devine on September 17, at the First Baptist Church. Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. and service at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org).