Wilma Jean McCall

Wilma Jean Brown McCall, 86 of Springfield, Massachusetts transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by her loving daughter, Denise.
Wilma was born and raised in Staley, North Carolina, the sixth of seven children born to William Penn Brown and Naomi (Brooks) Brown. She moved to Springfield in the mid-'50s. Wilma received her Associate's Degree in Human Services from Springfield Technical Community College. she worked for many years at New North Citizen Council's Our Babies, Our Future Program until retirement in 1996.
Wilma loved her church and her church family. The church was an important part of Wilma's life; she grew up in Oliver's Chapel in North Carolina. Upon moving to Springfield, Wilma became a member of Bethel A.M.E. where she has crowned Ms. Bethel for one year. Throughout the years, Wilma served in many capacities: trustee; member of the Gospel Choir; and a lifelong member of the Missionary Society.
Wilma valued family and friends. To many, she was affectionally known as "Grandma Wilma." She was known for an eye for fashion and was a gifted seamstress 'back in the day.' Wilma was a people person who never met a stranger. She is loved and admired by all who met her. Predeceased by her husband of 25 years, Willie McCall, and son Jerome; sisters Mattie Jewel Godfrey, Ada C. Coble, Doris Brown Dark, Alice Faye, and two brothers: William David and Monroe Brown.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her beloved daughter, Alice Denise McCall; goddaughter Laquetta Guess; brother-in-law, Harvey Dark, Sr., and several nieces and nephews; Nathan Godfrey (Theresa), Harvey Dark, Jr., Lenny Dark Edringston (Billy); Kenny Raye Dark (Monique); as well as a host of great nieces and nephews.
If you knew Wilma, you were considered an extended family. She leaves her sister-in-Christ, Marie Spence, and the Byers children - Michele, Kenny, and Felecia who held a special place in her heart. She will be sadly missed by her beloved Erik "Finkel" and Richard Robertson. Throughout her illness, Wilma had many caretakers: Nancy Ramos; Crystal Edwards; and longtime nurse Stella Vogel who all quickly became family.