Wilma Kell died peacefully at home at 6:35 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2022, eight days from her 101st birthday. Miss Kell was born April 8, 1921, in Centralia, Il, to Dornton and Mamie (Corners) Kell.
Wilma graduated from Centralia High School in 1939 and was a graduate of Brown’s Centralia Business College in 1941. She moved to Washington D. C. to work as a secretary for the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Electrification Administration. REA was responsible for bringing electricity to rural areas, which included the surrounding areas of Centralia. When her dad died in 1957, Miss Kell transferred to Scott AFB so she could live with her mother. She worked there as a secretary for Air Weather Service and carpooled from Centralia. Only after retirement, she hired the high school driver’s education teacher for lessons and got her license at age 62!
Miss Kell was associated with Gilead United Methodist Church. Her mother and grandmother, Jennie Corners, founded Gilead’s Women’s Aid. Wilma’s faith was deep, centered on love and charity, and she lived a life of Christ’s teachings. She volunteered to teach illiterate adults how to read and write and donated to many charities.
Known by her family as “Bobby,” Wilma was greatly enjoyable, thoughtful, and generous. She was a lady of courage, kindness, tremendous integrity, honesty, and honor. Miss Kell cared more about others than about herself, as demonstrated by the caregiving she provided to her mom, sister and niece when they were ill. Bobby was intelligent, witty humble, and inspirational. One of her greatest qualities was her genuine interest in others, making our world happy and fun.
Wilma enjoyed reading, traveling, trying new restaurants, attending the theatre, and enjoying nature. She loved all animals and cared for many stray cats throughout her lifetime. She devoted her time and energy to being a large part of her family.
In addition to her parents, Miss Kell was preceded in death by her sister Edith Coffey, her niece Sue (White) Doolen, and numerous cousins and friends.
Survivors who will remember her amazing life and miss her earthly presence are her: great-niece Cathy Doolen Dineen (Brian); great-nephew J. Kevin Doolen; great-great-niece Devon McDaniel (Steve) and family; second cousins Gregory and Ronald Reeves and their families; and loving caregivers Marie Hixenbaugh; Sharon McCann; Nellie Hixenbaugh and Mandy Taylor.
Miss Kell touched many lives in beautiful ways. Those who departed before her must surely be delighted to be with her again; those left here are thankful she was in their lives. All will mourn her passing.
Visitation will be at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia on Wednesday, April 6, from noon-1:00 p.m. Pastor Steve Upchurch will lead the service from 1: 00-2:00 p.m. Her final resting place is in the Hillcrest Cemetery mausoleum in Central City. To honor Miss Kell, her family respectfully ask guests to wear a mask when attending her services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Centralia Animal and Rescue Shelter, Gilead UMC, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
