Wilma Justice Wait Strickland
January 18, 1915 ~ February 28, 2009
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Wilma Justice Wait Strickland, 94, of Candler, died Saturday, February 28, 2009, at Pisgah Manor Health Care Center.
Mrs. Strickland was born in the Crabtree section of Haywood County on January 18, 1915. She resided briefly in Madison County and Virginia before and during World War II and in Candler and West Asheville following the war. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Alcana and Florence Ledford Justice; husbands, Homer D. Clark, Bernard Charles Wait and George R. Strickland; as well as brothers, Verlon H. Justice, Doyle C. Justice and Carl W. Justice; sisters, Reva Jolley, Daisy Givens, Morah McCracken, Marie Pearson and Velda Strickland.
While she worked for a time in retail sales at W.T. Grant Company and Ivey's in Asheville, her favorite activities centered around creative arts-and-crafts and gardening. Her "green-thumb" resulted in outstanding vegetable and flower gardens. She was particularly adept in growing African Violets which she gave to her family and friends. She and George delighted in roaming the mountains of Haywood and Madison Counties rediscovering lost trails and collecting native flowers and plants.
She is survived by her three sons, Bill N. Clark and wife Bea of Mars Hill, K. Duane Wait and wife LaRue of Greenville, SC and S. Lance Wait and wife Mary Lee of Candler; brother, Vaughn H. Justice of Mars Hill. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren in whom she found great pleasure. She will be particularly missed by her long-time friend and co-worker, Gladys Hunter. Graveside services will be 11:00 am Tuesday at Oak Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, 277 Oak Hill Road, Candler, NC 28715. Leah W. Brown, Minister with Senior Adults at First Baptist Church of Asheville will preside.
Her family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 pm Monday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.
The family would like to express sincere thanks to the staff of Pisgah Manor Health Care Center for providing excellent care, love and comfort since 2005. Memorials may be made to the Oak Hill UMC Cemetery Fund.
WILMA WILL BE MISSED BY US ALL HERE AT PISGAH MANOR WE ALL DEARLY LOVED HER SHE WAS A JOY TO TAKE CARE OF
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSSES.
Dear Bill, Kathy and I are so sorry for the loss of your mom. Dad is the only parent I have lost, just last month, but I still see him in the thing I do and think about as well as my own children. It gives me solace, comfort and hope, and I hope you will find the same. Your are in our thoughts and prayers.
Please know of our prayers for you, Bill and Bea, and all your family in this time of grief.
Dutch and Gail Coulter
Dear Duane, I was so sorry to read of your Mother’s Passing. My mother was a resident of Pisgah Manor until November when she also passed away. I would often see your mom when I was visiting mine. Your Mother was a sweet and beautiful lady Please know that you and LaRue are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Duane, I know that you may not remember me–I was in the class behind you at Enka. I have come to look for your mother each time I have visited my mother at Pisgah Manor during the past six months. It made my day when I was able to get Wilma to smile for me, and I will miss her. I will keep all of you in my special thoughts and prayers in the coming days.
Have lots of fond memories of growing up next door to Berbie. She and my Mom enjoyed their crafts and flowers and Lance and I grew up playing together. My prayers and condolences to all the family.
To friends and family of Wilma:
I am truly sorry to hear the news of Wilma Justice Wait Strickland’s passing. I never met Wilma but I understand she had a full and joyful life. My thoughts and prayers are with Wilma’s family and friends, with special condolences to my brother Bill N. Clark and his wife Bea.
Grandaddy. my thoughts and prayers are with you, Nummer and your family> I have fond memories of Berbee and her wonderful flower gardens and how she loved to share them with everyone, I am so glad that Jessica had the oppurtunity to grow up with her in her life, spend time with her and learn ‘crafty things’from her. Love to you, Martha
Bill, our thoughts are with you and your brothers during this difficult time. It’s wonderful your mother lived to be 94, and we know you will miss her greatly.
Love,
Gayle and Johnny.
I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Stricklands’ passing. I have known Sid since 1962. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers.