Wilma Buchanan Mcginnis

Wilma Buchanan McGinnis began her day on Sunday, April 17th, 2016, in her favorite way. She was enjoying the morning on her back porch watching people walk and ride bikes at the walking park when she suddenly became ill and departed this world for the next. Wilma leaves behind her husband of 58 years, James McGinnis; a son, J. Donald McGinnis and wife, Debbie; a daughter, Jennifer Greene and husband, Reggy; a grandson, Patrick McGinnis; a granddaughter, Sally Jackson and husband, Jarrett; and granddaughter, Rachel Greene. Wilma and James had been married only two months when James was drafted into the US Army in 1958. They were stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Donald was born. They later settled in the Baton community, where they lived at the time of Jennifer’s birth and remained for more than 25 years before moving to the Lower Creek community. Wilma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was also a “favorite” aunt to many of her nieces and nephews. Wilma was the daughter of Bessie and Bascum (Bass) Buchanan. She grew up with nine brothers and sisters with whom she shared experiences that, for the most part, could only be retold between outbursts of laughter, but she also experienced great sadness in her later years as she lost four sisters and two brothers before she passed. Of her siblings and spouses that passed before her are Edith Greer; Jim Buchanan and wife, Wanda; Wayne Buchanan; Lorena Clark; Clella Cole and Peggy Hallow and Larry Oliver. Those that remain with us are R.D. Greer; Sallie Buchanan; Lewis Buchanan and wife, Lucy; Leon Clark; Fred Cole; Bruce Buchanan and wife, Mollie; and Diane Oliver. Wilma also treasured her many Tennessee family members. Wilma retired from Bernhardt Furniture Company where she had worked for over 30 years. She made many good friends at work and spoke often of good memories made there. Wilma was known for her love of family and family gatherings. She loved to cook “Sunday lunch,” carrying on a tradition her mother started, and she looked forward to frequent visits from friends and family. “Calling ahead” was never needed to be welcomed into her home. To her children and grandchildren she was a faithful and enthusiastic supporter of all their endeavors as they grew into adults, sitting on the sidelines and in the audience at many events. Later she became a wise advisor to them as they sought the value of her guidance while navigating their way through life. Wilma’s family will be comforted to remember countless wonderful and laughter-filled times with her and the legacy of love she leaves behind. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 21st, 2016; from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service followed by a celebration of her life at 4:00 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfuneralservice.com. Evans Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the family.