Wilma Annetta Ashley Alexander

Wilma Annetta Ashley was born the second child of Clemon and Zenobia Ashley on March 19, 1941 in the small, yet prominent town of Boley. Wilma grew up in Boley and its surrounding towns in her early childhood, having ultimately settling in Bristow.

Wilma was heavily influenced by the church having been baptized at an early age; she discovered many of her talents and strengths within its walls. In 1959, she graduated from Bristow High School having been in the first graduating class following integration.

Wilma continued her education at Langston University until she married her high school sweetheart, Arvell Alexander on Nov 19, 1960. Wilma and Arvell settled in a small home on his father’s land in Bristow and to their union were born two beautiful girls, Cynthia (1961), and Rita (1962). Wilma was also pleased to join in the life of a bonus child, Othel “Buckey” Few.

Wilma remained a dedicated homemaker most of their marriage; however, she held jobs at a local grocery store, Bristow’s Garment Factory, and Jul-Ri Learning Center where she established several lifelong friendships up until her spouse’s health started to fail wherein she became a full-time caregiver.

In addition to being a homemaker, she served tirelessly within the church being a consistent and faithful partitioner and head of the hospitality department both at Harlinsville Baptist Church, then Duffy Chapel which later became New Life International Worship Center. Wilma’s adaptability and love for God shined through as she offered her gifts of hospitality and song through singing with the choir, and later the praise and worship team. “Mother Wilma” as she is affectionately known at New Life International Worship Center, remains a name that several members recognize as being an influential and pivotal member in their upbringing and Christian walk.

Wilma is proceeded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, sisters Shirley Roberts, of Bristow and Delores Thornton, Oklahoma City and brothers Gerald Duke Oklahoma City, Dennis Lee and Kim, of Bristow, Tommy Anderson, of Tulsa, and Lynn Ashley and Tamitha, of Bristow, two daughters Cynthia Alexander, of Bristow, and Rita Alexander-Moore and Julius, of Bristow, five grandchildren, Jason Moore and Tanesha, of San Antonio, Texas, Michelle Cole, of McKinney, Texas, Melanie Scott, of Grand Prairie, Texas, Arvell Alexander, of Atlanta, Georgia, Monique Moore, of Bristow, six great-grandchildren, Monica Scott, Elyra Cole, Ciera Scott, Elyja Cole, Harmony Moore, Melody Moore, Joshua Markum, and Symphony Moore, one greatgreat grandchild Meili’Nami Scott, and a host of other relatives and friends.