Wilma Naomi Cates

Wilma Naomi Hardy was born in Isola Mississippi January 19, 1935, the first born to Hiram and Nellie Hardy. After graduating high school she enlisted in the army – where she met and married Jack Cates. In 1963 she left the service, separated from her husband and moved her kids to Texas with her parents. Wilma raised her children and sometimes others in “the little house”, with a lot help from her parents. In the 70’s, while working nights at Texas Instruments and having her kids in school, Wilma went back to school and earned her LVN license. She then began her career at the VA Hospital. She later went on the get her RN license and continued to work at the VA until retiring after more than 30 years of service. Wilma was a “care giver” on and off the clock. She was the ROCK for the whole family. She was not just a mother to her children, but for their spouses as well. She made them feel as her own with a giving and loving heart. She raised 5 kids, who up until the day she passed said “yes ma’am”. She cared for her elderly parents until their deaths. She raised and cared for her kids, several grandkids and even a few great-grandkids. She never complained or felt burdened by them. It was a joy to her to have them in her life. Her eyes would light up and you could see into her heart when she talked about her “angel baby”. Wilma did everything with her whole heart. If it was pride, joy, sorrow, anger – whatever she was feeling – you knew it. Her first priority in life was family. You always take care of family. Most holidays – Every Christmas Eve – her family gathered for her. After attending the candle light church service, her kids and their spouses, her grandkids and their spouses, and her great-grandkids (over 50 people) gathered in one room exchanging gifts, sharing a meal, singing, celebrating (in other words, complete and total chaos) and she loved every minute of it. Wilma loved to travel to Vegas, Branson, Dollywood, Graceland , Hawaii, and Eureka Springs. She loved the candle makers at Fredericksburg, the pottery and Christmas lights at Marshal. She loved playing cards, dice. She took great joy in winning. She enjoyed staying up all night watching Perry Mason, Law and Order, or the jewelry shopping network. The last few months, as her breathing became worse; she made frequent trips to Charlton Methodist. She had her favorite paramedics and a lot of the staff at Charlton knew her well and called her “Mom” or “Nanny.” When she passed she was surrounded by her kids, grandkids and her pastor. She died as she lived – surrounded by love. Wilma is survived by her Aunt - Mildred Pepper, 2 brothers- Edwin Hardy and Pete Hardy and sister-in-law- Rosemary Hardy. Her 5 children and their spouses: Mike and Sharon Cates, Ronnie and Dawn Cates, Lisa and Mack Powell, Kim and Randy Smith, and Cynthia and Al Schoelen,23 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 2 great, great-grandchildren, and many very close cousins, and relatives.