Wilma I. Davis

Wilma I. Davis, 94, died Tuesday evening, April 12, 2016, at Heritage House of Richmond. She was born in Marion, August 20, 1921, to Virgil and Geneva Nash Poe. Wilma spent most her life in Connersville. Early on, she worked in her parent’s furniture and grocery store. This began a life of hard work and independence. During WW II, she worked at Steel Kitchens making airplane parts. She was a cook at Alquina School where she began her legacy of being a great cook. Her pies were anxiously anticipated at the many pitch-in dinners she attended. Wilma also ran a major paper route and had a laundry service for others while raising her two children, Patsy and Richie, her niece, Judi, as well as any friend’s children who needed help. She always had a garden and kept the root cellar filled with food that she canned. Wilma made sure that her children were able to go to college. For 31 years, Wilma worked as an associate in the Girls Department at JC Penney. She outfitted many girls in Connersville, as well as her family members and extended family. She received many awards recognizing her exceptional work there prior to her retirement in 1983. Retirement did not slow Wilma down. She became active in her church, the First United Methodist Church, where she held a variety of offices in the Women’s organizations. She enjoyed the craft group and created many keepsakes for the family. Wilma became known as the “Noodle Lady” as she organized the noodle making for the many church bazaars. She also directed the many dinners served at the church. Wilma was an active member of Historic Connersville, Jennings Township Extension Club and the Blue and Gray Civil War Organization. She was able to fulfill her dreams of seeing the world during her extensive travels throughout the world. Wilma is survived by her daughter: Patsy Barcom and her husband, Tom of Richmond; her stepson: Jim Davis and his wife, Nancy of Arletta, California; Stepdaughter: Donna Carter and her husband, Dave of Richmond; grandchildren and their spouses: Brian Phelps and Paula of Connersville, Bradley Barcom and Gonelia of Bloomington, Dirk Barcom of Richmond, Charles Roberts and Teresa of Centerville, Larry Davis of California, Vickie Phelps and Al of Indianapolis, Heather Pack and Kevin of California; Laureen Colantuono of New Jersey; nine great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren with another great-great-grandson due soon, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, George B. Davis, who died September 12, 1985; her friend: Walter Gronning; her son: Richard “Richie” Phelps who died January 12, 2006; three sisters: Doris Franklin, Evelyn Henry and Edna Jairett. The last few years were difficult as Wilma struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease. Even then, she thought she was working at the nursing home and ‘did her rounds’ from her wheelchair and hoped there would be enough food for everyone. Her family is very thankful for the sincere and excellent care Wilma received from her caretakers, Teresa, Donna, Lori, Dana and all the staff at Heritage House of Richmond. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Rev. Bill Helms of Lawrenceburg, officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery, section K. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 12 noon Monday until the time of service where memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Alquina United Methodist Church. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.