Wilma J. Yoakum

Wilma J. Yoakum, age 88 of Monroe, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Wilma was born on July 20, 1935, in LaFollette, Tennessee to Willis and Irene (Lawson) Dickson. Wilma moved to Monroe, MI when she was 5 years old and graduated from Monroe High School in 1953. She later went on to earn a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) degree. On December 4, 1965, Wilma married the love of her life, soulmate, and best friend, William R. Yoakum Sr., at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Together, they enjoyed raising 5 children and were able to make memories traveling to various places with their children and grandchildren. Wilma was blessed with even more joy when her great-grandchildren were born. Wilma worked as a housekeeper and a caregiver for the elderly for many years, as well as being a homemaker. In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking dinners for family and friends, and amongst her son’s friends, she was famous for her lemon pies. Wilma also liked to take walks with her husband, read, and spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A long-time member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, Wilma volunteered for vacation bible school, was secretary for adult Sunday school classes for 20 years, assisted with the church food closet, and helped organize and prepare food for funeral dinners. Outside of her church, she also volunteered at Heartbeat of Monroe. Sadly, she was proceeded in death by her husband, William R. Yoakum, Sr. in 2021, her parents, an infant brother Charles Dickson, daughter-in-law Judy (Sievert) Cole, and stepsister Lois (Charboneau) Boy. Wilma is survived by five children, Lynnette Hunt and Audie (Betsy) Cole of Bowling Green, OH, William (Helen) Yoakum, Jr of Taylor, MI, Danny Cole of Columbia, TN, and John (Carol) Cole of Mission Viejo, CA; 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Per Wilma’s request, a private chapel service was held at St. Joseph Cemetery followed by entombment. Rev. Timothy Iocoangeli, pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiated. Bacarella Funeral Home assisted the family with funeral arrangements. For anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Wilma, the family suggests supporting Monroe Missionary Baptist Church or the National Scleroderma Foundation. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com

Wilma J. Yoakum

July 20, 1935 - December 21, 2023