My first blog is an article I wrote for the church newsletter in Bluffton. I had just announced my move to Logansport when Wilma died. She was upset with me and made it clear she did not want me to do the funeral. Instead, she chose our assistant pastor do do the service. I was very hurt and I recall praying to God about it in my office. At that instant, God gave me this idea. Why not write about my love for Wilma?
Written April 27, 2005
By Pastor Gary Lewis
The news was still sad, even though we are so grateful the pain has stopped. We know she has gone on to a much better place, but the thought of her departure still brings a lump to our throats. Wilma Minniear passed from this life to the next shortly before 1 p.m. April 26, 2005.
She was a trailblazer during her tenure as a supervisor and later as the director of nursing at Duke Medical School. Her 20 years of service in Durham, North Carolina, brought many changes to the nursing profession. She tackled the issues of racism with courage, wit and perseverance. Her leadership and administrative skills were top-notch as she led 1,200 nurses at Duke.
Her 10 years as a member of the First Church family will be fondly remembered. At any church meeting, everyone knew where Wilma stood. She was able to articulate her ideas with unmistakable clarity. She rarely wavered in making her position known. Most of all, she deeply cared for the people of First United Methodist Church of Bluffton. Her passion was to make sure our church continued to care for one another; that we would continue to be a lighthouse to the community around us.
Wilma was a person who listened carefully and deeply to my Sunday morning messages. Sometimes, she complimented me. Other times, she would tell me vividly what challenged her. Again, her opinions were clear to me! Yet, as I got to know Wilma, she became for me like a challenging teacher. She was tough on the outside, yet very caring on the inside.
During one of our many visits together, Wilma told me of her desire to know more about the Bible. Like so many of us, she had tried many times to read God’s Word. The message wasn’t getting through, though, and Wilma struggled with understanding it more deeply. I gave her the New Testament on cassette tapes. I suggested she play the tape while she read the Bible. I asked her to consider allowing the narrator’s words to echo with hers as she allowed God to speak through her through the Scriptures.
Wilma took on this project with remarkable gusto! She reported to me her delight in gaining more understanding of God’s Word. It didn’t take long for her to return the cassette tapes to the church office.
Wilma never had any children of her own, yet she touched many, many, children in Wells County with her generosity. As a member of the daycare board of directors, her involvement helped the center survive many challenges. She also helped to support the Southern Wells youth athletic leagues. Wherever there was a need, Wilma was quick to help improve the lives of children.
In her career as a nurse, Wilma accomplished many goals. She lived in several places in the country as she blossomed in her profession. I am happy to believe she blossomed in her faith at her United Methodist Church home in North Carolina, and later here at Bluffton. Go forth in peace, our good friend, Wilma Minniear. Your journey continues in God’s kingdom.
