Wilma Lee Sowards, 79, of Charleston went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 16, 2011 after a long illness. She was born on October 10, 1931, the daughter of the late Cebert and Amma Pauley of Brounland.
She is preceded in death by her son Donald “Donnie” Ray Sowards, Jr., grandson Zachary Alan Sowards, and sister Shelby McCormick.
She was a woman of faith and trusted in the Lord. She was also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved to do what she could to care for others, that is what she lived for each day. Wilma’s greatest love was for her family. Her pride was so evident in her smile when she spoke their name and her soft laugh when telling a story.
Wilma made you an immediate friend upon meeting her. She possessed a quick, shy smile with bright blue eyes shining for all to see. She was quiet, but you could see the kindness, love and acceptance in her heart. She loved deeply and without limits. Wilma leaves behind a large, loving family which includes her loving and devoted husband of 60 wonderful years, Donald R. Sowards, Sr.; Son: Mark Sowards and wife, Jami; Granddaughter: Kyla Lanham and husband, Chris; Grandson: D.R. Sowards III; and 3 Great Granddaughters: Chloe LeAnn, Alara Shae Bailey, Heidi Nichole Sowards all of Sissonville; Sisters: Sister and also best friend, Wanda Gillispie and husband Harry of South Charleston; Donna Fizer and husband, Joe; Brother: Cebert “Jr.” Pauley and wife Dorinda, of South Charleston. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. Especially, one of her nephews, Jay Pauley, whom she thought of like one of her own sons.
Services will be on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at 1:00pm with visitation for family and friends one hour prior to the service at Curry Funeral Home Chapel, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek, with Al Mendez officiating. Burial will be at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Doctors and Staff at CAMC-General NSICU for all the care and love they showed during her illness.