Mary Wilda Wells Medley

December 24, 1930 -

September 30, 2016

Mary Wilda Wells Medley held the hand of her Lord and Savior and moved into her eternal heavenly home on September 30, 2016 in Humble, Texas, at the age of 85.

There she was reunited with her beloved husband of 63 years, Daniel Carl Medley, their two precious sons, Dr. Ron Medley and Dale Medley, her sister Carolyn Shepherd, brother Jimmy Wells and her dear mother.

Wilda was the oldest of four children born to James and Mary Lou McAllister Wells on December 24, 1930 in New Albany, Mississippi. She teased that she was one day older than Jesus and truly was our Christmas Eve Angel. She spent the early years of her life in Chicago near her paternal grandmother where she enjoyed ice-skating on the lake with her siblings and cousins. When she was 12 years old, her mother moved the family back to New Albany as a single mother. Wilda took on the role of caring for her younger sister and brothers while her mother worked to support the family. A strong Christian foundation from their mother and faith in God's love would remain with each of them throughout their lives.

Wilda excelled in school and was attending Nursing School when she met a tall, handsome athlete who was staying at her grandmother's boarding house with his semi-pro baseball team. Carl Medley made her his bride in 1951. Through the years, she delighted in her role as a homemaker and mother to their 4 children Carla, Cheri, Ronny and Dale, as Carl's work in the gas industry moved the family to Texas, Arkansas and back to Mississippi. In her early 30's, she began to suffer from an autoimmune illness now known as Crohn's Disease. It was accompanied by crippling arthritis, which made walking painfully difficult for many years. She always said she did not suffer with Crohn's, she lived with Crohn's. Through countless hospitalizations, surgeries and 43 years with an iliostomy, her spiritual strength and positive attitude along with the loving devotion and care from Carl, were a testimony of their faith in God and love for one another.

In the mid 1970's, they moved "back home" to Tishomingo, Mississippi and Carl built their beautiful home in the country. It was a joy to be living near so many wonderful Medley relatives. This was truly their "heaven on earth" with ponds for fishing, woods for hunting, and porch swings for stargazing at night.

Their large garden provided all the fresh vegetables that Wilda could cook, can and freeze and they shared the rest with family, neighbors and strangers. This is where the greatest memories with their children and 8 precious grandchildren were made and will always be treasured. Fresh blackberry cobbler, fried okra, and picking their own watermelons for the seed-spitting contest off the porch are among the favorites!

A life-long United Methodist, much of her activity centered around Tishomingo United Methodist Church. Wilda served on every committee, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, VBS, led Bible Studies, ran the kitchen, organized United Methodist Women's events, and ministered to everyone she met. For many years she and Carl traveled to Jackson to serve as delegates to the Mississippi Annual Conference. Representing her church and fellowshipping with new and old friends in Christ was always such a joy.

The diagnosis of Carl's Alzheimer's Disease led to a decision to move to Humble, Texas to be close to daughter and son-in-law, Carla and Ronny Hopkins in 2005.

Although homesick for her Mississippi friends, Wilda embraced her new ipad with e-mail and FaceBook as a way to stay in touch with friends and family. As a beloved Grandma and GG, she loved sharing the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandbabies. She enjoyed "Words with Friends" and was quite a competitive player! Wilda was a voracious reader and her love of books was a life-long passion. She also became actively involved at Atascocita United Methodist Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir for a few years, attending "The Table" Sunday School class, Women's Ministries programs and retreats, Bible Studies, "BAG Ladies" book club, weekly volunteering, helping with VBS, serving at the Hospitality Bar on Sunday mornings, and her ladies' walking group in the gym. Her church was truly a blessing during her final years. Her strong faith, servant heart and sense of humor provided lessons and joy to all who knew her.

When Carl became a resident at Autumn Grove Cottage, she spent every day there with him for 2 and a half years. Her devotion to his happiness and her joyful spirit brightened the day for residents and staff alike. When he passed away on Jan. 29, 2014, she was thankful that God had blessed each of them with the opportunity to care for the other during a season of their lives.

Cherishing her memory are her brother, Dr. Bill Wells of Dacula, Ga., her daughters Carla Medley Hopkins and son-in-law, Ron Hopkins of Humble, Tx., Cheri Medley Alexy and son-in-law Tom Schaefer, of Indianapolis, Ind. and daughters-in-law, Laurie Duncan Medley and Donna Medley.

Grandchildren: Matthew Hopkins and Lindsey, great-grandchildren Dean and Laney Kate; Adam Hopkins and Genie, great-grandsons Mason and Wyatt; Dr. Ryan Alexy and Kiley, great-

grandchildren Leiya, Colton and Leo; Sharon Alexy Goff and Ben, great-grandchildren Alexy and Raina; Lauron Medley Dott, great-granddaughter Julia; Wilks Medley, Bryan Medley, Melissa Medley West and Nick, great-grandsons Kayson and Leyton.

Sisters-in-laws Ishbel McDougal and Janelle Burnett, and many loving nieces and nephews.

There was a "Celebration of Life" for Wilda Medley on Saturday, October 29 at 2:00 at Atascocita United Methodist Church, 19325 Pinehurst Trail Drive, Humble, Tx 77346.

The family is so very thankful to A-MED Hospice for their wonderful support and especially our angel-nurse, Carrie Connors who made it possible for her to transition peacefully in the comfort of her home.

We are especially grateful for the constant prayers and emotional support provided by our AUMC family. She has asked that anyone wishing to offer a memorial in her name, please make a donation to AUMC Women's Ministries.

Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future."