Bryson, Wilma

Wilma Lea Clark Forden Bryson

Departed this earth on April 27, 2014. Wilma was born on January 4, 1928 in Rolla Missouri the daughter of Preston and Mary Edith Elliott Clark.

Wilma is survived by daughters, Carole Forden Rogan of Springfield, Patricia Forden of Champaign; son Kevin (Lana) Forden of Springfield. Grandchildren, Vicki (Kirk) Forden Brauer of O’Fallon Missouri and Jonathan Forden of Springfield. Great Grandchildren, Taylor Forden of Springfield and Lincoln and Owen Brauer of O’Fallon. Sister, Helen Kay of Taylorville and nieces; Sharon (Don) Naylor of Bloomington and Nancy Kay of Polo.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, nephew Alan Kay and former husband Richard Forden.

Wilma’s family moved from Rolla to Mt. Auburn Illinois when she was a child. She grew up on the family farm in Mt. Auburn helping her dad grow watermelons and honey. Wilma married Richard Forden in 1948 and proceeded to help him farm in Mt. Auburn and start their family of three children. The family later moved to Sherman, Illinois where Wilma learned the art of hairdressing. Wilma owned and operated a beauty shop in Sherman for years where she was especially known for crafting hair styles that could withstand 15 mile an hour winds and not be disturbed. Wilma was also known for her ability to mix hair color that matched patrons’ natural shades. Wilma was honored many times by Wella hair color to teach color matching techniques to fellow hair dressers. Wilma was married to William (Bill) Bryson and spent a number of years living in Lake Fork Illinois.

Later in life Wilma worked at White Hen Pantry in Springfield and the Shell Casey’s gas station in Sherman. She loved working there so she could keep up with all her friends in Sherman and share her love and passion for the St. Louis Cardinals with everyone. Cremation was accorded.

A celebration of Wilma’s life will be held on Wednesday , April 30, 2014, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Illini Bank Community Room in Sherman where friends are welcome to join in the tribute.

Family is requesting donations to be made to National Kidney Foundation, St. John’s Hospice services or a charity of your choice.

Family is being served by Mott & Henning Funeral Home, in Athens, IL.