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.
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15 Condolence(s)
Suzan Hill
Friday, September 9, 2022
I am praying for Judy and all the family and praising the Lord for women such as Wilma who make our better by just being itðŸ™ðŸ»
Sandra Hansell Freund
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Wonderful lady who will be missed so very much.
Jim and Ruth Busby
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Judy, Rob, Chad and Kyle and family,
Loss of our loved ones is always hard. The loss of physical presence aches our hearts but in Wilma’s case….she was ready to meet her Lord and be reunited with her beloved Chester!
She was a wonderful Christian lady and will be so missed by all who knew and loved her. She was a second Mom to me.
We aren’t able to there with you on Friday but but please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and in the celebration of a life well-lived!!
Reedy Family
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Such a beautiful godly example for so many. May God comfort your family in this difficult time.
Love ,
The Reedy Family
Debra McDoniel
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Judy and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed spending time with your mom and dad when ever we went to Humnoke to see mom and pop. She was such a sweet lady. I know you will miss her terribly. She’s up there with your dad.
Sending prayers and Love
Vickie Raker
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Ms.Wilma was a wonderful neighbor & opened her home to all “ Humnoke kidsâ€. She was walking talking southern Christian lady through & through. Judy & family I know you miss her but she had a long life full of happy memories & we will all see her in Heaven. Love & prayers
Vickie Hansell Raker
Joannie Tindall
Thursday, September 8, 2022
What a sweet lady she was. When I met her I felt like I knew her my whole life. A lot of people come & go... but I’m sure she’s up there with our precious GOD.
GOD bless your family abundantly with â¤ï¸ love.
Paula Jones
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Prayer's for all the family.
Chester Larry Herring
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Melinda Brazeal
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Hugs & prayers for Judy & her sons. Aunt Wilma was an example of a classy & Godly woman. She & Uncle Chester always came to see my dad (Charles Ed Morgan) any time he was in the hospital and always called to check on him. Heaven received an Angel when she entered heavens gates. No more pain & reuniting with loved ones that had gone before her. I never knew her whole name and the obituary was written so eloquently. Judy I know life will be so different because you have been an awesome daughter & caregiver. Praying that God wraps his arms around you & your family during the loss of such a great inspiration. â¤ï¸ You all!
Polly,Pauline,Bobby and Sandy
Thursday, September 8, 2022
We loved Aunt Wilma and we already miss her.Wish we could come but some are sick and some live to far away!Love you always.Our Wilma!
Nita Morris Roberts
Thursday, September 8, 2022
RIP Sweet Aunt Wilma,You will be missed â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Anita Bowlan
Thursday, September 8, 2022
So sorry about Mrs. Wilma. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I know she will be missed.
Tammy martin
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Aunt Wilma was very special to me I remember going to our house and her giving us milk in a little glass that was shaped like a boot I love drinking out of those glasses and then I remember her giving us toys and I had a dream one night that she gave me a doll and I was so excited and I hid it under my bed and when I got up and looked it wasn’t there and I was so disappointed I remember getting aunt Wilma pecans lol she let me kn they weren’t that good I guess that is where I get speaking my mind from the Harris side but I loved aunt Wilma she was so sweet
Jeraldene Hawkins
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
My condolences go out to Miss Wilma's family. I know you will miss her. What great memories you have of her and Mr. Chester and can be assured that they are once again together.