Wilma Scowden

Mayme Wilma Jane Ward Scowden (“Wilma” to friends and family), 97, from Benton, Missouri, formerly of Lowndes, Missouri, entered her heavenly home Wednesday afternoon, June 14, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Sept. 7, 1925, Wilma was the daughter of the late Edgar J. Ward and Bertha Olive Bowers Ward.

Wilma married her soulmate Calvin Scowden July 8, 1946 in Greenville, Missouri. Together they raised three cherished daughters. Wilma was a confident, independent woman, who could teach herself anything she set her mind to. She often said this resourcefulness came from growing up during the Great Depression.

Wilma and her husband were co-owners of a cattle farm, recognized by the University of Missouri with a Farm Management award in 1973. Wilma thrived on the farm, but was also a talented seamstress, vaccinating cows by day and sewing dresses at night.

Wilma was a member of Corinth General Baptist Church in Lowndes, Missouri. She served her church well as a Sunday School teacher and song leader for the congregation and youth choirs. She also taught Bible School classes at the local Methodist Church.

Wilma was a devoted mother to her daughters, and always welcomed their friends into her home after school, ball games or church activities.

Wilma is survived by her daughters, Barbara Alexander of Malden, Missouri; Patricia Burkett (Glenn) of Jackson, Missouri; and Cathryn Bruce (Doyle) of Benton, Missouri; six grandchildren, Dana Cook of Bernie, Missouri; Scott Burkett of Jackson, Missouri; Darrick Bruce of Scott City, Missouri; Ryan Burkett of Chicago, Illinois; Anitra Bahner of Jackson, Missouri; and Blaine Bruce of Jackson, Missouri; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-great grandchildren. She was a loving role model to all. Other survivors include her sisters, Thelma Shrum of St. Louis, Missouri; Norma Keele of Williamsville, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Marie Scowden of Shook, Missouri and Linda Scowden of Greenville, Missouri.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of 73 years; brothers, Elvis Ward, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Leo Ward, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Virgil Ward, of Shook, Missouri; and her son-in-law, Dan Alexander.

Visitation will be held at noon Saturday at the Morrison Funeral Chapel in Greenville. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Leeman Shirrell officiating. Interment will be in the Corinth Cemetery near Lowndes.