Wilma Jean Marrs White

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Mrs. Wilma Jean Marrs White     Age 79

Of: McEwen, Tennessee, passed away Monday, November 20, 2023, at AHC Waverly in Waverly, Tennessee.

Growing up in Waverly, Wilma Jean was the 2^nd child of 7 children. Pneumonia and several trips to Vanderbilt Hospital were a frequent occurrence throughout her childhood. A story was told that her dad got her a watch for Christmas. Her oldest sis and mom unwrapped it, wound it up, and rewrapped it. Wilma was delighted to hear it ticking and got a preview of what her Christmas gift was. Another funny story has been told how she and her cousin Jo Anne would sneak away from the storm culvert where the family huddled during lightning and thunder. Her father, Dub, saw their 4 eyes out in the garden and called them “Possums.” The girls came up with the excuse they were picking tomatoes. It was told sweet potatoes were a staple meal growing up, and that she refused to eat them later.

Around her late teens, Wilma met James Donald possibly at the Irish Picnic. At the age of 20, they were married. David was born 2 years later. Some time later, Wilma had some health problems that required a hysterectomy. When David was less than 2, Wilma went to beauty school in Nashville for 1 year. She rode the Greyhound bus both ways each day. This began her 39 year career as a beautician. Approximately the last 30 years of her career were spent in her own home as Wilma’s Classic Boutique. Multiple customers passed through her doors over the years. In fact she was giving Tracy a perm one day when David walked in. He married her the next year.

Somewhere along the way, 1 of her younger siblings, Donna, nicknamed her “Neen”, because Wilma Jean was too hard to say. Before long, “Maw-Maw” became the new name. Two granddaughters, Victoria and then Juliana, came along. Wilma doted over fixing hair, babysitting, and going “shopy til you drop” with them (really just groceries). She often shared stories and pictures of them. She enjoyed going to the fair with them and their mother Tracy, and sometimes rode even the big rides without them. Country western dancing with Don was another way of having fun. She loved to go fishing too.

Over the years, she treasured her pups Penny, Buttons, Cuddles, Priscilla, and Prissy. She and Don also raised 250 chickens and sold eggs to her customers to supplement their income. Gardening also was a way to help with groceries. Decorating her home inside and out for Christmas was always a joy. Around 1986, Wilma and Don joined St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Two weeks before Wilma’s planned retirement, she had a severe stroke. She recovered enough over time to come home for a few years. Her other 2 grandchildren, Savannah and Asa, were born. She enjoyed having them visit and sit in her lap. The last 5 years of her life were spent in nursing homes. She always had a way of making her needs known. Don passed away there in 2018. We thank all the precious caregivers who loved on and cared for Wilma from AHC Waverly and Caris Hospice. She gave assurance that things were OK between herself and her Savior Jesus Christ. She slipped away early in the morning being held by Savannah and Tracy. She is dancing with Him now, using her right arm and right leg just fine, and probably running her mouth with free, uninhibited speech. She was loved dearly and will be missed ever so much.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Humphreys County Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Wilma White will be held Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., in the Humphreys County Funeral Home Chapel. Bro. William Brown will be officiating.

Interment will follow in Meadowlawn Cemetery in McEwen, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Wilma White to:  Humphreys County Humane Society, 108 Young Road, Waverly, TN 37185. You may also leave your donations at Humphreys County Funeral Home and we will gladly forward them for you.

Survivors:

Son:

   James David White (Tracy) of McEwen, TN

4 Grandchildren:

   Victoria Phelps (Matt), Juliana White, Savannah White, and Asa White

Brother:

   Donnie Marrs (Shirley) of Waverly, TN

Sister:

   Donna McCaig (Ralph) of Waverly, TN

Sister-in-law:

   Peggy Marrs of Waverly, TN

Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:

Husband: James Donald White

Parents: William David “Dub” and Martha Christine Howell Marrs

Siblings: Eddie Marrs, Roger Marrs, Melvia June Little and husband J. H., and Jamie Darlene McGahey

Arrangements by Humphreys County Funeral Home (931) 296-5955