Wilma Alene Nelms' Obituary
Wilma Alene McDaniel Nelms, 97, was born on August 23, 1924, in Schugtown, Arkansas, to John and Lorene McDaniel. Wilma graduated from Dixie High School in 1941. After graduating she traveled to St. Louis Missouri where she worked in an airplane factory during the war. On February 15, 1943 she married her sweetheart, Cecil Eugene Nelms becoming a Navy wife. The newlyweds first duty station was San Francisco, California. Leaving the military life behind the couple purchased a small cotton farm in Lake City, Arkansas where they lived for several years. This small farm became the birth place of their cherished family. In 1953 the family moved to West Memphis, Arkansas. Wilma worked for Spot’s Drug Store for 30 years before retiring, and Cecil retired while working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad in Memphis, Tennessee. Once retired the couple moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas where they purchased a 20-acre farm. Wilma spent her time gardening, quilting, participating in the local Home Maker’s Club, and was actively involved in her church, Center Street Church of Christ. Later in life the couple moved into town due to declining health where they resided until their deaths.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; John and Lorene McDaniel, her husband, Cecil Nelms, her brothers; J. McDaniel & George McDaniel, her sister Edna Dickerson, her first born son Dan E. Nelms, and Son in Law Miles R. Morris. She is survived by her children; Linda Nelms Morris, and T.L. Nelms (Mary) and daughter in law Cathy Nelms, brothers; Major McDaniel, Larry McDaniel (Mary), grandchildren; Myles Morris (Dawn), Donna Washausen, Jake Nelms, K.C. Taylor, Hank Nelms, great grandchildren; Savannah Jernigan (Justin), Toby Taylor, and Clementine Taylor, great-great grandchildren: Lucy, Rhett, and Grady Jernigan.
Wilma lived an active life until the age of 95. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, flowers, yard work, and her Home Makers Club. She loved when her family came to visit from out of town. They would always make a visit to Braums for a burger and milkshake. Her last few years she loved nothing more than a Little Debbie Nutty Buddy.
Funeral services will be held at Moore’s Chapel Funeral Home 206 West Center Street Fayetteville, Arkansas Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm with burial to follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Paragould Children’s Home 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould AR 72450 in memory of Wilma McDaniel Nelms.
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