Wilma Gay "Hyde" Eubanks

Wilma Gay Hyde Eubanks passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, at her home near Troy, Alabama. Born on April 15, 1938, in her grandmother's home in Finch, Arkansas, Wilma was the beloved daughter of William Fletcher Hyde and Gaynell Fletcher Hyde. She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Dr. Clifford Eubanks, and their three children: Kathryn Eubanks, Keith Eubanks (Tamara), and Kassandra Stubblefield (Ric). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Sarah, Joseph, Audrey, Matthew, Kassidy, Tegan, Sophia, and Fletcher. Wilma is also survived by her cherished sister, Sandra Pfeiffer Clack, sister-in-law Tanya Howell (Jim), and many dear nieces and nephews. Wilma spent her early years in Paragould, Arkansas, and graduated from Greene County Tech High School. Alongside Clifford, she made homes in Fayetteville, AR; Manhattan, KS; Murray, KY; Troy, AL; Orlando, FL; and Nashville, TN. After beginning her family, she pursued her passion for education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Murray State University and a Master's in Library Science from the University of Central Florida. Wilma's career began as a middle school science teacher, and she later served as librarian at Charles Henderson Junior High School (Troy, AL), Jackson Heights Middle School (Orlando, FL), and Dodson Elementary School (Nashville, TN). She believed deeply in the value of education and hard work and took great pride in her academic and professional accomplishments. Beyond her work, Wilma embraced life with warmth and creativity. She loved sewing, gardening, cooking, painting, cake decorating, and especially traveling. Clifford and Wilma traveled internationally throughout most countries of Europe, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Her most treasured times were spent with her family on memorable vacations to places such as Swan's Island, Maine; the beaches of Panama City Beach, Florida; the San Juan Islands in Washington; the Great Smoky Mountains; Big Sky, Montana; Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks; Bigfork and Glacier National Park, Montana; Lake Nantahala, NC; and Lake Chatuge, NC. Above all, no place brought her more joy than her beloved farm in Pike County, where generations of memories were made. Wilma was a radiant light in the lives of all who knew her. Her journey was one of love, grace, compassion, patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on-etched into the hearts of her family, and the many lives she touched with her kindness, strength, and delicious homemade ice cream. Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church in Troy, Alabama, starting at 1pm on Thursday August 21, followed by a 2pm memorial service. The family will hold a graveside service under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, at Finch Cemetery in Paragould. To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.