Wilma Dean Yarbrough
January 12, 1929 – June 24, 2021
Wilma Dean (Johnson) Yarbrough was born in Carter, OK on the old “red” hill at home. Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away suddenly on June 24, 2021 at home. Wilma loved and lettered in basketball at Carter High School. She was valedictorian class of 1947.
Wilma was the second of five children born to Vernie and Rosie Bell (Breeze) Johnson. Her family called her Dean or Sister; Wilma married Charles Yarbrough on May 10, 1947, a few days before graduation. Wilma met Charles at church, his father was the minister. They were married in the church parsonage by Charles’ dad and were married for 63 years.
Wilma was an avid basketball and football fan and OU fan (any sport) as well as Dallas Mavericks & Oklahoma City Thunder fan.
Wilma was a wonderful cook, even her neighbors and church family looked forward to her baked goods.
Wilma was a stay at home mom until 1959. She worked at Pratts Furniture Store in Kingfisher, OK and after moving to Yukon, worked at Anthony’s. Wilma ran the Edmond Tag Agency when living there. She retired after 20 years from the Department of Corrections in their accounting department in 1994. Wilma taught children’s Sunday School. She loved Jesus, prayed for family and friends daily and we know she is with Jesus.
Those honored to carry on her legacy are daughters, Linda (Jon) Perry, Nancy (Steve) Elkins and Sheri Jensen, grandchildren, Angela, Malone, Tommye Blomquist, Amy Rains, Calvin Goff. Eight great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren. Brother, Farrell (Linda) Johnson, brother-in-law, Farrell Thompson and wife Say. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Dale Johnson and Merle Johnson, sister, Anita Thompson, son-in-laws, Kurt Jensen and David Goff, niece, Lisa Johnson and nephew, Donnie Thompson. Many other relatives and friends will miss her.
Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 29th at Matthews Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, OK.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you make a donation to the American Heart Association, In Search of the Lord’s Way, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but feel they should not due to health regulations. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
To Linda, Nancy and Sherrie,
We are so sorry for your loss and we share in your sorrow at this time.
Charlie and Wilma were instrumental in us buying five acres joining their property in 1969. We could not have asked for better neighbors. We have enjoyed a great relationship over the last 51 years.
We learned Wilma made the best banana bread ever and lucky for us she shared her recipe. A great lady and we will miss her.
I am so sorry that Wilma passed away. I always thought of her as one of us Ol’ timers out here and there’s only a few of us left. I will miss her.
Dear Linda, Nancy, and Sheri,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry, I am unable to attend and hug all of you. Wilma was a special friend and I will miss her. Beautiful pictures of you and your mom are cherished memories, thanks for sharing.