of Sherwood, AR

May 2, 1926 - September 4, 2022

JOHNNIE LEE WILMA HARRIS INGRAM, 96, of Sherwood, passed away at home Sunday, September 4, 2022 forty years to the day, September 4, 1982, that her mother passed away. She was born May 2, 1926, the sixth of eight daughters, followed by a son to Washington Henry "Wash" Harris and Myrtle Mobbs Harris of Greenbrier, AR. She was named after her maternal grandfather, John Mobbs. She was the last survivor of all the siblings.

Growing up during the Great Depression, the family saw many hard times, which resulted in them relocating to the small farming town of Humnoke when Wilma was nine years old. At the age of fourteen, Wilma met the love of her life when the Ingram family moved to Lonoke County. On January 26, 1948, at the age of 21, Wilma and Chester Ingram were married. After residing in Detroit, Michigan for a time they returned to their beloved Arkansas. Wilma never adapted to the Northern culture. Being one that talked to everyone she encountered; she couldn't understand why people didn't tend to speak to you up there! When back in Arkansas, they settled into a happy life eventually becoming parents to a daughter, Judy. Wilma was a wonderful homemaker and cook, known for her fried peach pies and other wonderful home-made desserts. Wilma was also an excellent seamstress, often adding her own designs to the patterns she used, to make clothes for Judy and herself. Wilma was very caring, cooking for others when they were ill or helping in any way she could. In her later years, she had her own telephone ministry checking on the sick and home bound.

Wilma's world was complete when she became a grandmother to her two grandsons, Chad and Kyle. She had planned to be called Gran, but Chad pronounced it, Nan. She became Nan to all their friends and all the children at church. That thrilled her to the end of her days. When her great-grandchildren came along, they were her joy.

Wilma dearly loved her large extended family. She had 34 nieces and nephews, plus 5 from Chester's side. She strove to have a relationship with each one, as well as their children. She lovingly dispensed advice whether they wanted it or not. They usually got a wink and a smile, but sometimes a lecture! In June of 1956, Wilma and Chester were baptized into the Church of Christ after much study of the scriptures. They were faithful members at Coy, then at Somers Avenue in North Little Rock when they moved to be close to their daughter. When Wilma could no longer physically attend, she watched the services virtually from Somers and the Church of Christ in Buford, GA, where her grandson, Kyle is the pulpit minister. While she was able, she read her bible daily and listened to recorded sermons preached by her late husband or her grandson, Kyle.

Wilma was preceded in death by her beloved Chester, having shared 67 wonderful years together. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Washington "Wash" Harris and Myrtle Harris; her siblings, Purnia Milam. Ruby Stone, Margaret Loftis, Grace Morgan, Effie Coburn, Marvell Herring, Blanche Harris at the age of 3, and Harlan Harris; a son-in-law, Danny Rye and a prematurely born son, Timothy Bruce Ingram.

She is survived by daughter, Judy Rye DeMoss and husband, Robert DeMoss of Sherwood; grandsons, Chad Rye and children, Cole, Avery and Sawyer of Sherwood and Kyle and his wife, Sara and daughters, Micah and Leah of Flowery Branch, GA.

The family would like to thank the remarkable staff from Arkansas Hospice that assisted in Nan's care for the last 6 months, especially RN Michelle, CNA's Sean and Syerra, Social Worker Deborah, Chaplain Charles and so many others.

Wilma's memorial service will be held on the 70th anniversary of her dad's passing, September 9, 1950. Family will receive friends Thursday, September 8, from 5-7 P.M. at the Somers Avenue Church of Christ, 4801 Somers Avenue, NLR. Funeral service will be held at the church Friday at 1:30 P.M. Burial will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park, 7724 Landers Road, NLR under the direction of Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK, NLR.

The family requests that memorials be made to Somers Avenue Church of Christ, 4801 Somers Avenue, North Little Rock, AR, 72116 or Children's Homes, Inc. 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR, 72450.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR  72116
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com