Wilma Lou Thomas Elder

Friday, February 19, 2021

Wilma Lou Thomas Elder, 87, of Blytheville, passed from this life Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at the Heritage Square Nursing Center in Blytheville. Born to Arthur and Irene Thaxton Thomas in Lake City, she was a retired 34-year employee of Wal-Mart where she worked many years in the Cloth/Accessories Department. She was a lady who inspired many people with her work ethics and dedication. Wilma was a faithful member of Beacon Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School teacher and also taught Vacation Bible School. Before her sickness, she was presented with a plaque honoring her as the oldest living member of Beacon Baptist Church. She was a devoted, giving, Christian lady whose faith showed in all she did. Wilma was an incredibly talented individual when it came to being a seamstress. She sewed all of her children’s clothes, even making prom dresses and wedding gowns. She was also very adept at crocheting and embroidery work. She also loved growing flowers with a special fondness for roses. Wilma was most passionate about dancing and country music. She loved to go to the Senior Country Dances, going twice a week for many years. More than anything she loved her family and was devoted to meet their needs. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She loved to bake for her family and friends, somehow always finding time to bake them their favorite cakes and pies. She was a truly remarkable lady who will be sorely missed. The family wishes to say a special thank you to “Josie” from Hospice care for all the care and tenderness you gave to Wilma.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, B.F. Elder; son, Bennie A. Elder; siblings, Lloyd Thomas, A.T. Thomas, Lorine Thomas Parnell, and son-in-law Earl J. Yeager.

Wilma is survived by her children, Belinda J. Yeager (Joey) Hamlett of Kennett, Mo., Beverly A. (Charlie) Kemp of Johnson City, Ill.; brother, Donald Thomas of Colorado Springs, Colo.; daughter-in-law, Karline Gonter Elder of Blytheville; special friend, Don Merrill of Blytheville; nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held, Thursday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Billy Holifield officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon from 1 p.m. until service time also at Cobb Funeral Home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials go to the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of choice. Following the State of Arkansas COVID-19 guidelines, no more than 80 people will be allowed to gather inside of Cobb Funeral Home and practice social distancing, keeping a 6-foot distance between one another. Face masks are required to enter the building and to be worn at all times. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.