Wilma M. White Thurman

Wilma M. White Thurman, age 100, met her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Wilma was born on September 17, 1924, in Blevins, Arkansas. She had three brothers and was the only daughter of Lester and Bama Bell White. The man she affectionately called “Daddy” died when she was just 18 years old, and she was so eager to see him again. That heavenly reunion finally took place after 82 long years. She is now home with many of those that she loved so dearly throughout her incredibly blessed life.

Wilma was a devoted Christian and member of Bell’s Chapel Church of the Nazarene in Blevins. Every Sunday, you would find her in her usual pew singing hymns and praising her Lord. Whether it be family, friends or strangers, all were welcome in her home and at her table. Wilma was the heart of her family, and every Christmas Eve was celebrated with her famous shrimp gumbo and chocolate sheet cake. Her house would be covered in Christmas lights and her tree adorned with candy canes. Every guest in her home would receive a gift, even if she had never met them. She kept a stash of “extras” just in case.

Wilma was an elaborate storyteller. She kept her family history alive by recalling events of her childhood during the depression and as a young wife during the war years. Her stories came to life with her sharp memory and recollection of vivid details.

Wilma was a woman of many talents. Her children and grandchildren had closets full of clothes that were sewn with love and care. Every new baby in the family (along with many in the community) was sure to receive a crocheted baby blanket. Wilma was also an incredibly gifted artist. Her beautiful landscape paintings grace the walls of her family members and will be cherished for generations. Other hobbies included reading, jigsaw puzzles and gardening.

In 1944, Wilma married James H. Thurman of Waldo, Arkansas. While James was overseas during World War II, Wilma supported her country by working as a typist at a factory that built airplanes for the war.

After the war, James worked as a surveyor. This job required the young married couple to live in many different states such as Texas, Louisiana and North Dakota. James and Wilma welcomed three children during this time. The couple wanted to provide a stable life once the children were school-aged, so they moved home to Blevins, Arkansas. Back in Blevins, they went into the farming business and became strong stewards of their community. The couple were married 77 years when James passed away in 2022. She instructed him to meet her at the Eastern Gate of Heaven; we hope he wasn’t late!

Also preceding her in death were her parents and two brothers, Wallace and Cecil White.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children who called her “Mother”, Glenda Thurman Hugg of Maumelle, Patsy Thurman Bonds (Bobby) of Blevins and Phil Thurman (Teddy) of Blevins. One brother, Homer White of Tonganoxie, Kansas. Seven Grandchildren who affectionately knew her as “Mamaw”, Jeff Butler (Cecily), Brian Hugg (Theresa), David Thurman (Missy), Holly Robbins (Eric), Amy May (Ronald), Lacie Blake (Matt) and Niki Olson (Chris). Eighteen Great-Grandchildren and four Great-Great-Grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Sam.

The legacy she left is greater even than the family she raised. We know that our Heavenly Father met her with a “Well Done” as she ascended to meet Him face to face.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 21, from 5pm to 7pm at the Brazzel Oakcrest Chapel.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 22, at 10am at the Brazzel Oakcrest Chapel, with burial to follow at Marlbrook Cemetery in Blevins, Arkansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brazzel Oakcrest, the Funeral Home of Hope. Online condolences can be made at www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.