Wilma Broaden

1945 - 2023

Wilma "Jean" Davis Broaden, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away on July 12, 2023. She was known for her many roles in life, including being a devoted Christian, philanthropist, teacher and a beacon of strength and love to those around her.

 

Born on April 16, 1945, in Birmingham, AL she was the twelfth child of thirteen to Shederick and Manervia Davis.  Wilma grew up in a challenging and unjust environment where Jim Crow Laws were manifested in every walk of life in the deep south. Even from a young age, she recognized the injustice and inequality faced by Negros. These experiences fueled her determination to fight for change.

 

Wilma graduated from Westfield High School in 1963, where she formed lifelong bonds one of her best friendships was with Gussie. During her time at Westfield, she made her mark as Miss Westfield and excelled in track. Her involvement in the civil rights movement was a natural extension of her desire to create a more just and equal society. Wilma actively participated in boycotts, marches, and sit-ins, and was jailed for contributing to the progress of the movement.

 

Education held significant value to Wilma, and she continually pursued personal growth and knowledge. She received several certificates in business and management training.  In 2010, she earned a master’s degree in international hospitality management from Sheffield Hallam University in England. Her educational achievements were a testament to her commitment to self-improvement.

 

Throughout her professional life, Wilma made a significant impact on the Chamber of Commerce as the Executive Director, Anguilla Development Board as a Projects Officer & Head of the Small Enterprise Development Unit, and Cap Juluca Hotel as a Hostess and Guest Services Manager. She also owned several successful businesses, leaving a legacy of entrepreneurship. With a love for walking and swimming, she embraced an active lifestyle and encouraged others to do the same.

Wilma's love knew no bounds, and she affectionately referred to everyone as “All My Children”.  She believed God put her on this earth to serve her community and that is what she did.  Wilma would travel from the United States to Anguilla a few times a year.  Wherever she was, she always made sure she was actively involved in serving God and her community.  Whilst, in Anguilla, she served at Mount Fortune SDA Church, California was fortunate to have her serve at The Antilope Valley SDA Church and in her later years she returned to the city where she was born and served at Ephesus SDA Church.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Ernest Broaden Sr., and a wide network of friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

 

She is survived by her children Kerry Davis, Elicia Jacob of Birmingham, AL and Kevin Gillespie (Evelyn) of Los Angeles, California, as well as her grandchildren Kerri Leighandra Davis, Kia Renae Davis, Ebony Ashley Davis, Jade Naya Davis, Yentl Harkley, Mechelle Slaughter, Daunyae Harris, Brittani Hudson, Emerald Grace Johnson, and Michaela Gillespie. Wilma's great-grandchildren include Floyd Kingston Davis, Samiya Nicole, Jordan Elijah Robinson, Zephaniah Johnson, Joshua Harkley, Ethan Hudson, Emili Hudson, Madison Walton, Mason Walton, Jamison Hannah, Haley Hannah, Amira, Davionte, Allona, Nehemiah, and Josiah. Her great-great-grandchild is Zekari Washington.

Stepchildren/Grandchildren, Rene’ Floyd (Richard), Ernest Broaden Jr. (Sandra), Chelsea[D] (Daniel), Kene’, Quintin, Sikudhani, Asabi, Malaki, Amber, Nygle, Kennedy, Kyra, Zola & Zane.

Sister, Sandra Lawrence of Birmingham, AL, Brother’s, William Davis of Chicago, IL, Walter Davis of Antilope Valley, California, Oliver Davis of Phoenix, Arizona, Sister-In-Law, Helen Gardner of Los Angeles, California, and a dog name Max.