November 2, 1918 – March 13, 2021
Wilma Naoma Hankins was born on November 2, 1918 in Sayre Oklahoma to Connie and Marzee Hunt. Wilma was the third of 5 children. Wilma passed into the eternal care of her Lord on March 13, 2021 at Emanual Medical Center in Turlock, California at the age of 102 years, 5 months.
She was preceded in death by her husband Henry T. Hankins, her mother and father, and 4 siblings.
Wilma is survived by her son, Steve Donaldson and spouse Tina of Kendrick, Idaho, daughter Donna Morris Whetly of Fort Worth, TX, 4 Grandchildren, Stacy Criswell and spouse Joe of Turlock, CA., Lance Donaldson and spouse Alisia of Turlock, CA., Dwayne Morris and spouse Kim of Alvarado, TX., Beverly Roper and spouse Harrison of Hewitt, TX., 9 Great-grandchildren, Stephen Criswell, Merisha Criswell, Payton Donaldson, Wyatt Donaldson, Misty Morris, Stephen Morris, Hannah Roper, Rebekah Roper, and Sarah Roper.
Wilma spent her adolescent years in Sayre, Oklahoma attending local schools. She moved to California in 1940, and remained in California until her death. Through the years she worked for the Merced County Juvenile Hall, DelMonte Cannery, Moores Drugstore, Western Auto, Hughson and Denair School Districts driving bus. She served along side of Pastor Henry T. Hankins in seven churches. Pastor Hankins and Wilma were the founding ministry couple for the First Southern Baptist Church of Denair, California. Through the years Wilma served the churches where she and Pastor Hankins ministered by singing in the choir for 75 years. She taught Bible Study classes for 75 years. She also served as Church Hostess, and Church Clerk. She was active in the Central Valley Baptist Association for over 50 years. Needless to say, Wilma was devoted to serving her Lord and his churches. Wilma Hankins was truly an ambassador for Christ!
She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and working in her garden, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren. Wilma often marveled at all of the things that she had seen during her life; the coming of the electric light, automobiles, airplanes, telephones, elevators, computers, Disneyland, and the San Francisco Giants finally winning two World Series. Her favorite places to travel were Texas and Florida. Her favorite music was Gospel and Country. Her favorite movie was the Ten Commandments; she once said that she was going to be disappointed when she gets to heaven if Moses didn’t look like Charlton Heston.
A funeral service will be held for Wilma at the First Southern Baptist Church in Denair on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 11:00am. Burial will be private at Turlock Memorial Park.
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