Wilda was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband of 59 years, Johnny Moore (John) Jones. She is survived by her daughter, Elise Jones Morris (Ray) and son, Larry Jones (Donna), 3 grandchildren – Steven (Chelsea), Brian (Molly), and Rylee, and 5 great grandchildren – Landon, Caleb, Will, Mayiah, Cari and “baby girl” Morris due February 2024 and her friend and care-giver Carol Helm.
Wilda graduated from A G Parrish High School in Selma, AL (1948), Judson College (1952) Magna Cum Laude, and University of Montevallo, Master’s Degree (1976). She taught for 31 years in various schools; Talladega City Schools, Mountain Brook Elementary, Main Avenue Elementary Sylacauga, and Sylacauga High School. After her retirement from teaching in public schools, she continued to teach at Knollwood Christian School and volunteer her time to teach with the Sylacauga Bridges Program and through the Adult Literacy Council. Later in life, when many would have enjoyed retirement, she and her husband John spent 24 months spread over five years as unofficial ambassadors teaching English to college students in China.
Her love of traveling began early as they moved around the country when John served as a pilot in the US Air Force for four years after they married. After settling in Sylacauga, she continued to travel with her family and with just her husband after their children were grown. She visited all 50 states and 35 countries throughout Europe and Asia.
She was very active in First Baptist Church, Sylacauga, as a Sunday School Teacher, In-Home Ministry organizer, Bible Study teacher in various nursing homes and local jails and prisons, and serving on numerous church committees. She also lived out her faith working with other Christian organizations such as Campers on Mission and Carpenters for Christ. After she moved into Spring Terrace Assisted Living Facility, she continued to serve and witness from within the facility that she had spent many previous years visiting.
She was active supporting Judson College including being named the Alumna of the Year in 2007. Other organizations she enjoyed being a part of were the Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers’ Sorority, Wise and Otherwise Study Club, and Sylacauga Camping Club.
Wilda made the most of the 93 years God gave her on this earth! She’ll be missed by her family, her friends, and her community. Because Wilda trusted in Jesus as her Savior, we know that her last breath on earth was followed by her first breath in Heaven.
Visitation will be on November 21, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 with service to follow at First Baptist Church in Sylacauga.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Sylacauga or Missions First through First Baptist Church of Sylacauga.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Radneysmith.com
