Alma F. Wilson

Alma Frances Higginbotham Wilson, 95, passed away on May 6, 2023 after a brief hospitalization. Alma was born on October 31, 1927 in Sugar Valley, Georgia to John Ralph and Bessie Lee (Warren) Higginbotham. At the young age of two, Alma’s father passed away. Her mother worked tirelessly as a sharecropper to support Alma and her older siblings: Donald, Evelyn, Rita, and Margaret. Alma graduated from Dalton High School. She later moved to Atlanta, Georgia and attended Marsh Business College in downtown Atlanta. Alma met Samuel Wyatt Wilson, a World War II veteran, and they were married at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta in 1950. They welcomed one daughter, Rita Lee Wilson, in 1952. Alma and Sam resided in the historic Northwoods neighborhood in Doraville, Georgia where Alma lived for over 60 years. She was a member of the Northwoods Presbyterian Church. Alma worked as an administrative assistant for many years until her retirement in 1995. After retirement she found joy working part time with her lifelong best friend, Nita Broschat, at her consignment shop located in downtown Norcross, Georgia. Alma was also a devoted member of the Norcross Woman’s Club.

Alma will always be remembered as a kind and gentle soul with strong conservative values. She had a quiet inner strength due to being a child of the Great Depression and a young adult living through World War II. She was a true patriot of the Greatest Generation. Alma was a subtle southern lady who did not leave the house without being well put together, always looking stylish with jewelry and polished nails. Alma was a very independent woman, taking pride and doing for herself, and living modestly.

Alma was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Wyatt Wilson, as well as all of her siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Rita (AC) Flora and two grandchildren, Allison (Bruce) Brown and Brian (Ginny) McNeill. She also leaves behind five great grandchildren: Lottie, Lila, Genevieve, Emmaline and Sam. Alma adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and the families that they have built.

A graveside memorial service will be held on May 26, 2023 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Buford, Georgia. Flanigan Funeral Home & Crematory in Buford, Georgia is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritan's Purse, or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elmwoodfhcolumbia.com for the Wilson family.