Wilma Jefferson

1935 - 2025

Wilma Jefferson, 90, of Murrells Inlet, SC, passed away on July 17, 2025.

Born on March 14, 1935, in Tazewell County, Virginia, she was the daughter of Anna and McKinley Largen. Wilma graduated from Hillsville High School before moving to North Carolina, where she began working at the Hanes Hosiery Weeks Plant. She married Robert Jefferson in 1960, and together they made their home in Winston-Salem, sharing 63 years of companionship until Robert's passing in 2023.

Wilma dedicated herself both to her family and her work. In addition to caring for her home, she served as a teacher's aide with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and later worked as a copy marker at Hunter Publishing Company.

A woman of strong faith, Wilma was an active member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Winston-Salem. She served as a Eucharistic minister, taught CCD classes, and sang in the choir. After retiring to Murrells Inlet, she became a familiar face at the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Jefferson; her parents; and her brothers, Robert and William.

Wilma is survived by her two children, Rebecca Bender (Kevin) and Angela Costello (James); seven grandchildren, Jennifer Moser (Joshua Kuprion), Stephanie Moser (Eric Hill), Kelly Cooper (Paddy), Mallie Holcomb, Sydney Holcomb, Drew Bender, and Cami Bender; six great-grandchildren-Nora and Dean Kuprion, Eleanor and Benjamin Hill, Niamh and Finn Cooper-as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on October 17, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Murrells Inlet.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brookgreen Gardens or St. Michael Catholic Church in Murrells Inlet, SC.

Wilma leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength. Her humor and cherished stories will be deeply missed.