Wilma H. Williams

SHAVERTOWN — Wilma H. Williams, 92, of Shavertown, passed away on Oct. 8, 2022 at Geisinger Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. She was born Wilma Sarah "Toots" Hess in Kunkle to the late Leroy Gowen Hess, and the late Lelia Anna Wall Hess. She spent most of her childhood being a tomboy with her three older brothers, being raised on a dairy farm.

She was a proud member of the Dallas Township High School Class of 1948. At an early age, Wilma developed a passion for baton twirling. Her interest caught the eye of a high school teacher who groomed her to become the high school mascot twirler at the age of 9. She advanced to head majorette in the 8th grade. During her senior year, Wilma began competing in state twirling competitions and won the title of Pennsylvania State Majorette Champion. After graduation, she began teaching private baton lessons around the Wyoming Valley. Area bands also employed her as a head majorette as they performed at concerts and in parades throughout the state. She continued teaching well into her adult life.

Wilma is a graduate of the Wyoming Seminary School of Business, and began her banking career at Second National Bank in Wilkes-Barre. She transferred to the Back Mountain branch, and worked at the Shavertown location of Wyoming National, Merchants, Fidelity, Wachovia and eventually retired from what is now Wells Fargo in 1992.

In 1952, Wilma married the great love of her life, Ross "Bud" Williams. They were married for 51 years until his death in 2004.

She was a 70-year member of the Shavertown United Methodist Church. Being a banker, she was always in high demand to act as treasurer for various groups and organizations. She was a 50-year member of the Dallas Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star having served as Worth Matron and District Deputy.

Wilma loved to travel and enjoyed many overseas trips taking hundreds of photos/slides and sharing travelogue speaking engagements with community groups when she returned home. Being born a Pisces, she naturally loved swimming, and her home was the gathering place where she entertained friends and hosted family reunions.

Besides her parents and husband, Wilma was preceded in death by her three older brothers: Nile, Harold and Robert Hess. Surviving are her son, Ross Stephen Williams; her daughter and son-in-law Florence Anne and Frank Berna; and several nieces and nephews. Private interment was at Chapel Lawn in Dallas, with Reverend Jon Buxton officiating. Arrangements by Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., Shavertown. Memorial donations may be sent to the Shavertown United Methodist Church.