Wilma Louise Mahala Meadows, age 82, departed for her heavenly home on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Wilma passed at her home. Wilma was born in “the hills” of Tennessee, in a small town called Trade, on December 2, 1941. Growing up, Wilma spent her time working in the bean field, playing stickball with her sisters, waiting a turn to ride the motorcycle with her daddy, whom Wilma held in the highest esteem, and as Wilma got older, going into town. In town is where Wilma met Robert A. Meadows (Bob). One day after receiving a letter from Bob asking if Wilma would marry him, Wilma accepted, and they were married in West Jefferson, North Carolina on December 31, 1957. Bob’s military career took them all over the world. Wilma loved being around the military. While stationed in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, in 1960, Wilma and Bob welcomed their first child, Robert Lee Meadows. From New Jersey to El Paso, Texas, to Unna, Germany, back to El Paso, Texas, where Bob and Wilma welcomed their second child, Lori Sue Meadows, in 1966. Then on to Oahu, Hawaii, to White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, and then finally back to El Paso, Texas. The family spent 30 days on vacation while in Unna, Germany traveling to 13 countries plus England and Wilma got to meet the Queen. When they made it back to El Paso, Wilma worked as a beautician in her salon operated out of their house. Wilma loved her clients and together they enjoyed watching “the soaps and sharing all of the hot gossip. Wilma was also a part of a bowling league sponsored by her beauty salon. While in El Paso, Wilma also really enjoyed participating in the Jerry Lewis telethon, as Wilma enjoyed country music and helping others. Wilma also had a little Pekingese dog named Missy whom Wilma adored. In July of 1979, after Bob retired from the Army, Wilma and Bob moved to Alvin, Texas. There they spent their summers watching the grandkids (Wilma’s greatest joy) and during the rest of the year, working on their house. While Bob did most of the construction, Wilma really enjoyed working outside in the flower beds. In July of 2005, Wilma and Bob moved to Halifax, Virginia, where they started building another house and developing the Rocking Bar W farm, named in Wilma’s honor. During her time in Virginia, Wilma became baptized in the Baptist faith in the Lake of Watauga, Tennessee. Wilma loved many things. Wilma loved watching “the soaps”, reading biographies, traveling, talking on the phone, listening to her country music (Elvis Presley and George Strait were her favorites), watching the squirrels and hummingbirds, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and going to the casino, and above everything, Wilma loved her family and friends. Wilma was a very dedicated, patient (an understatement), funny, good-natured, and caring woman who made friends easily, and endeared most people that she met. Wilma cultivated many friendships worldwide over the years, which Wilma spoke fondly of for the rest of her life. Wilma was preceded in death by her father, Caleb Mahala; her mother, Ethel Mahala; half-brother, Edgar South; and sister, Juanita Mahala. Wilma’s memory and spirit will continue to live inside her husband, Bob; son, Bobby (Michele); daughter, Lori (Paul); grandsons, Daryl and Robby (Emily); granddaughter, Victoria; great-grandsons Jayce and Colten; and all of the people Wilma’s impacted along the way.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Wood Funeral Service, 28868 Highway 49 N, Chase City Virginia from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Graveside services and Internment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Avenue, Arlington, Virginia. Arlington National Cemetery will notify Wood Funeral Service once the date is decided for this service.

Wood Funeral Service is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.woodfuneralservice.com