Wilma Morris

Greenfield, Indiana – Wilma Sonya Morris, 88, passed away after being comforted by her family and friends on December 19, 2023. She was born to Bernard and Lillian (Hayden) Gilson, on September 5, 1935, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Wilma was an outgoing and gregarious woman with an infectious laugh. She grew up in Celestine, Dubois County, and was raised by her foster family the Striegels, after her parents had to make the best choice for Wilma. A graduate of Northeast Dubois County Highschool, Wilma joined the United States Airforce not too long after high school.

She loved to serve her community, either as a member of the United States Air Force, as the owner of the Mini Pub Bar on Pendleton Pike, or as a member of the Moose Lodge, the VFW, the Eagles, the American Legion as well as participating in the Ladies Auxiliary. Wilma also worked for twenty years as an inspector for Naval Avionics. That’s where she met the last love of her life, George Morris, who passed away on October 27, 2018.

When not working or spending time with her friends, Wilma loved arts and crafts projects. An accomplished ceramics worker, quilter, and cook, Wilma always loved to find something to do. She was an avid gardener. She enjoyed listening to country music and dancing, even while living in the nursing home.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Wilma is preceded in death by her stepdaughter Tammy Morris Herrin (Jim), siblings Frank Gilson, Joan Fancher, and Bernard Gilson.

She is survived by her children Cathy L. (Cook) Carpenter (Michael), Candy (Cook) Padgett (Kevin), Roger L. Cook (Lisa), and Ron E. Cook; brother Leo Gilson of Jasper, Indiana;  as well as 19 grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church (519 Jefferson Boulevard, Greenfield, Indiana, 46140) on December 30, 2023, from 10 am – 12 pm with funeral mass held at 12 pm, Father Aaron Jenkins presiding. Burial will be at Washington Park East Cemetery (10612 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229).