Wilma M Gary, April 24, 2018 — April 24, 2018

Mrs. Wilma Gary, 79 years of age, of South Bend, IN, transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on April 24, 2018 at her home. Wilma was born to the union of Eddie and Luvenia (Horne) Ward, Sr. in South Bend, IN. She graduated from Central High School in South Bend and received her BS and MS from Indiana University.

She also received her administrative license in Education. Wilma was employed for forty-one years with the South Bend Community School Corporation as a teacher. She received many awards and accolades, including nomination for Teacher of the Year.

Wilma was married to Johnny Gary, Jr. in 1962. To this marriage was born one child, a son, Owen Gary. Wilma was a member of NEA (National Education Association) and ISTA (Indiana State Teacher Association).

She was a long-term member of Grace AME Zion Church, where she was a member of the usher board and the Missionary Ministry. She was a proud member of the Eta Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority Incorporated for forty-three years and the Far Northwest Neighborhood Association. Left to cherish her memory is her son, Owen (Kathy) Gary of Lafayette, IN granddaughter Carissa (Christian) Harrison of Gaylord, MI; grandson Corey D. Smith of Chicago, IL; great-grandson Bear Richard of Gaylord, MI; brother John Lewis Ward of South Bend; special great-nieces LaVonda Smith, Kendra Person and Katrina Person; best friends Betty Robinson, Gwen Gammage, Hattie Chambliss and Ann Staples, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Preceding her is death were her parents, Eddie and Luvenia Ward, Sr.; sisters Georgia Price, Anna Ward and Helen Person, and brother Eddie Ward, Jr. Funeral services for Wilma M. Gary will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Grace A.M.E. Zion Church, 1211 Vassar Avenue, South Bend. Friends may also call on the family for visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Palmer Funeral Homes – West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, as well as for one hour prior to funeral service at the church on Tuesday. Rev.

Dr. Jean Hope will officiate the funeral service, with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the Gary family at www.

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