Wilma Gayle Lewis Obituary (1924 - 2016)

Wilma Gayle Lewis, 92, of Champaign, passed away at 7:18 a.m., Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Sugar Creek Alzheimers Special Care Center, Normal.Her Celebration of Life visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Monday, January 2, 2017 atrnCarmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington. A private family interment will be in Roselawn Cemetery, Champaign.Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimers Association.Wilma was born October 22, 1924 in Waggoner, Illinois, the daughter of Logan and Rose Wagner Jackson. She married James Rogers Lewis on December 21, 1958 in Waggoner. He preceded her in death on March 29, 2013 as well as her brother, Harlan Jackson.She is survived by five children, Stan (Karen) Lewis of Normal, Amy (Paul) Slamowitz of Niles, Mike (Ali) Lewis of Champaign, Jill (Garrett) Merrill of San Marcos, CA, and Jeff (Kristine) Lewis of Bernardsville, NJ; fifteen grandchildren, Ashley, Kali, Connor, Shannon, Jamie, and Abby; Jackson; Oscar, Leo, Daisy and Belle; Jimmy and Katie; Meghan and Adam; two brothers, Hugh Jackson of Chesapeake, VA and Harry (Cathy) Jackson of Raymond, IL; a sister, Wanda Zarf of OFallon, MO and a sister-in-law, Patricia Jackson of Greenville, IL.Wilma spent her early years living on a farm with no electricity or running water. When her older brother, Harlan joined the Navy to fight in World War II, Wilma assumed many of his duties: driving the tractor, doing fieldwork, and tending livestock. She graduated from Waggoner High School in 1942 (class of 10 students and the only female).When Harlan returned from the war Wilma attended Browns Business School in Springfield and worked for Bell Telephone, prior to marrying Jim.Wilma was a devoted wife, mother, and tireless homemaker. Her immaculate and orderly house always welcomed family and friends. She appreciated a clean, white T-shirt. With a wreath on her door and a well swept walk, she and Jim kept a tidy yard. In summer she grew rhubarb and roses and enjoyed watering her many flowers. Wilma was a friendly neighbor, and often had long talks across backyard fences and on the Brookshire sidewalks.Wilma and Jim enjoyed attending Illini basketball and football games, Cardinals games, local musicals and shows, and a myriad of grandchildrens events. Those 15 grandchildren covered her refrigerator with stories and drawings. They delighted in Grandmas cookie drawer and toy closet. She looked forward to annual vacations in St. Petersburg, FL; sitting poolside with her family and taking long walks on the beach.Throughout her health challenges of later years, she kept a sparkle in her eye and amusement in her heart.To the end she remained poised, generous, patient, and loving.