Wilma Jean (Mathews) Gary, beloved mother, grandmother and friend to many, passed away July 18, 2025, peacefully at the age of 96, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 9, 1928, in Stroud, Oklahoma, to Jim and Hester (Cochran) Mathews, Wilma lived a long, full life defined by grace, humor, faith and deep devotion to her family. A 1946 graduate of Oney High School, Wilma was an active student who enjoyed playing basketball, piano and singing. That same year, she married the love of her life, Alvin Gary, in Oklahoma City. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family and simple joys. In 1980, Wilma and Alvin moved from Tehachapi, California, to Atwood, Oklahoma, where they joined the Nazarene Church, became very active members and acquired many close, lifelong friends. In 2005 they moved to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and became members of the Pauls Valley Nazarene Church.
Before becoming a full-time homemaker, Wilma worked in sales at Montgomery Ward Catalog Store. She later found her true calling in the home, raising her children with love, wisdom and an unwavering presence—never missing a single sports event. She was known for her selflessness and her ability to make everyone around her feel seen, valued and loved.
Wilma had a deep love for gardening and flowers, and she found great joy in spending time outdoors. One of the highlights of her later years was an unforgettable cruise to Alaska, where she boarded an airplane for the first time in her life—a symbol of her adventurous spirit and openness to new experiences.
She had a flair for fashion and often sewed her own clothes during her younger years. Wilma was also a talented cook, and her famous pot roast and Mississippi mud cake became family traditions that will be treasured for generations.
To know Wilma was to be embraced by kindness. She taught those around her to trust in the Lord, to always show compassion and to follow the golden rule: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.” Her humor, silliness and warm laughter brought joy to every room she entered. Wilma was lovingly referred to as “Momma ‘by many—an affectionate title that reflected the nurturing role she played in countless lives.
Her appearance mattered to her, and she took pride in regular visits to the beauty shop at The Willows, where she was adored by staff and residents alike. Wilma never judged others and accepted people exactly as they were. Her life was a living example of unconditional love and grace.
She leaves behind a legacy in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren—each of whom were the true highlights of her life.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to The Willows Assisted Living Center and to the compassionate nurses and staff at Valir Hospice for their loving care in Wilma’s final days.
Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Gary; parents, Jim and Hester (Cochran) Mathews; son, Dennis Gary; grandson, Andy Gary; great-grandson, Hayden Sisk; brothers, Floyd, Donald, Charles, Johnny, Loren and Leon; sisters, Dorothy, Violet, LolaMay, Corene, Aleen and Mary.
Wilma is survived by her son, Rick Gary and wife Louise of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; David Gary and wife Terrie of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; daughter, Cheri Wanier and husband Harvey of San Angelo, Texas; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.
Memorial Services for Wilma will be August 9, 2025, at noon at Atwood Church of the Nazarene in Atwood, Oklahoma, with Larry McDaniel officiating. If you would like to send your condolences to the family you may do so at woosterfuneralhomes. com.
