Wilma Scowden

BENTON, Mo. -- Mayme Wilma Jane Ward Scowden -- "Wilma" to friends and family -- of Benton and formerly of Lowndes, Missouri, entered her heavenly home Wednesday afternoon, June 14, 2023, at age 97, surrounded by her loving family.

Born Sept. 7, 1925, Wilma was the daughter of the late Edgar J. and Bertha Olive Bowers Ward. She married her soul mate, Calvin Scowden, on July 8, 1946, in Greenville, Missouri. Together they raised three cherished daughters.

Wilma was a confident, independent woman who could teach herself anything she set her mind to. She often said this resourcefulness came from growing up during the Great Depression.

She and her husband were co-owners of a cattle farm, recognized by the University of Missouri with a farm management award in 1973. Wilma thrived on the farm, but was also a talented seamstress, vaccinating cows by day and sewing dresses at night.

She was a member of Corinth General Baptist Church in Lowndes and served her church well as a Sunday school teacher and song leader for the congregation and youth choirs. She also taught Bible school classes at the local Methodist church.

Wilma was a devoted mother to her daughters and always welcomed their friends into her home after school, ball games or church activities.

She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Alexander of Malden, Missouri, Patricia (Glenn) Burkett of Jackson and Cathryn (Doyle) Bruce of Benton; six grandchildren, Dana Cook of Bernie, Missouri, Scott Burkett of Jackson, Darrick Bruce of Scott City, Ryan Burkett of Chicago, Anitra Bahner of Jackson and Blaine Bruce of Jackson; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-great grandchildren.

She was a loving role model to all.

Other survivors include her sisters, Thelma Shrum of St. Louis and Norma Keele of Williamsville, Missouri; and sisters-in-law, Marie Scowden of Shook, Missouri, and Linda Scowden of Greenville, Missouri.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 73 years; brothers, Elvis and Leo Ward, both of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Virgil Ward of Shook; and her son-in-law, Dan Alexander.

Visitation will begin at noon Saturday, June 17, at Morrison Funeral Chapel in Greenville.

Funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Leeman Shirrell officiating. Interment will be in the Corinth Cemetery near Lowndes.