Wilma S. Wharton Thomas

Mrs. Wilma S. (Wharton) Thomas, born September 25, 1921 in Wesson, AR, the daughter of Rev. William K. & Alma Wharton, died Tues., July 5, 2005 in Grand Rapids, MI. She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Brian) McCarthy; grandson, John McCarthy, all of Ada, MI; nieces & nephews, Kathy (Larry) Newberry of Jonesboro, AR, Laurie Nowak, Tom (Dianne) Wharton, Susan (Eric) Gay, all of TX; sisters-in-law, Ann (Bill) Hailey of San Antonio, TX, Marguerite (Tommye) Chambers of Hobbs, NM; other nieces, nephews, cousins & many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Calvin M. Thomas; brothers, William K. Wharton, Jr. and James Wharton. Mrs. Thomas was raised in northern Arkansas, attended Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, AR, taught school in Green Forest, AR and graduated from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA. She lived in Atlanta, GA for over 40 years, taught at Oak Grove Elementary & other DeKalb County schools and was an active member of Briarlake Baptist Church in Decatur, GA. Wilma brought her gentle Southern charm to Grand Rapids in 2000 to be near her daughter and family. She quickly made many new friends and lived at Sentinel Pointe Retirement Community. A true Southern lady - she always had a kind word, a smile and a helping hand. She enjoyed gardening, reading, music, bird watching and teaching. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 10th at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Briarlake Baptist Church, Dr. J. Hoffman Harris officiating. Interment Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Briarlake Baptist Church, or your favorite charity. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at A. S. Turner & Sons.