Ms. Wilma E. Smith

Obituary Wilma Ellen Smith, 84, of Kansas City, MO, gained her wings at 3:40 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Research Medical Hospital in the care of Crossroads Hospice Care. She was born May 31, 1938, in Pittsburg, KS to Wilbur Kent and Naomi Francis Elizabeth (King) Berger. She was the third born of 10 children. She had a twin brother Wilbur "Buddy" Kent Berger Jr. The Berger siblings, eight girls and two boys, started their journey at 1204 North Joplin. Wilma attended Pittsburg High School and graduated in 1957 where she received many accolades in track and field. She was the fastest runner on the team. She also sang in the school’s Orchestra Choir for three years. Although she was small, she was quick with a strong voice. Wilma married Charles B. White Sr. During their union, two children were born. Charles B. White Jr. and Mary D. White both of Kansas City, MO. Wilma later remarried Richard Smith of Kansas City. Both unions had been set apart and they precede her in death. She knew Christ at an early age from within her family unit of teachers and preachers. She was a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor John Leslie Brooks, Kansas City, MO. Throughout her life, Wilma remained a servant leader. Working decades in the healthcare field, Wilma began her career at Mt. Carmel Hospital as a Nurses Aide in Pittsburg, KS. After relocating to Kansas City, MO where she continued down the healthcare and customer service path working at Kansas University Medical Hospital until she retired. Even after she retired she continued to serve, working part time as a bus monitor for students with special needs. Wilma was the true definition of an independent leader. As one of the oldest siblings it was her passion to take care of her young siblings. And along with it she became an instrumental part in the upbringing of her nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Teaching them steadfast morals, responsibilities and core values. Wilma was an animal lover and especially loved her dogs. Throughout her life she enjoyed companionship from her large and small furry friends, whom she treated like her children. As the matriarch of the family, Wilma leaves a legacy of four generations. Survivors include her two children, Charles (Margaret) and Mary “Denise”; two grand-daughters, MiChea Baytops of Kansas City, MO and Monica White of New Orleans, LA and three grand-sons Michael Nimrod, III of Kansas City, MO and Winzlow White (Nicole) and Charles D. White (Kora) both of Arlington, TX, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; three sisters, Myrtle Berger of Michigan City, IN, Frances Ajani of Joplin, MO and Linda Evans of Michigan City, IN and a host of nieces and nephews. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, Veoma “Bobby” Grant, Leona Berger, Claire Johnson and Phillistine “Tee” Vann; and two brothers, Wilbur “Buddy” Kent Berger Jr (twin) and Frederick “Fred” Berger. Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. (Saturday, March 25, 2023) at the Watkins Heritage Chapel. The family will receive all loved ones between 9:00am-11:00am for a viewing and services will begin promptly at 11:00am and will be officiated by Pastor Anthony White of Safe Haven Revival Ministry. She will be laid to rest at the Mausoleum Chapel, Forest Hills Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. The family suggests memorials be given to Watkins Heritage Chapel, 4000 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64130. Friends and family may also leave condolences at WatkinsHeritage.com Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared our website. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Wilma E. Smith, please visit our floral store. Read More

Ms. Wilma E. Smith

May 31, 1938 - March 8, 2023