Wilma Louise Hope

Wilma Louise (King) Hope passed away January 10, 2020, at the age of 96. Wilma was born to Thomas Virgil and Sarah Agnes (Baker) King on March 14, 1923. Nicknamed at a very young age by her father, she was affectionately known to family and friends as “Doots” throughout her life. Wilma was born and reared in the rural community of Branch, AR. Upon graduation from high school, she married Lee Lairamore. He became a minister, and she worked along side him in the church. She had a beautiful singing voice, often singing special selections for church services, as well as providing piano and organ accompaniment for the choir and congregation. Wilma worked as a secretary for the Public Service Company when they maintained offices on the ground floor of the Price Tower. She also worked as a licensed realtor for the George Johnson Agency, and she and Lee also owned and operated two Taste Freez businesses for a number of years. A strong, self-reliant, and capable woman, Wilma maintained a beautiful and welcoming home. She loved being outdoors and spent many happy hours in her garden. In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her siblings: JW King, Helen Fry, Kenneth King, and Thomas King. Also preceding her were son in law Dale Cleveland, granddaughter Sally Kay Davis, and great grandson Tyler Black. She is survived by daughters Linda Lee Anderson (Kenneth), Saundra Carol Cleveland, Patricia Ann Bumpas (Michael). She leaves six grandchildren: Scott, Brian, and Jimmy Cleveland, Leigh Ann (Cleveland) Black-Cunningham, Matthew Bumpas and Amy (Bumpas) Bullock, and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. Also surviving Wilma are sister in law Nicky Lairamore and brother in law Harris Dean Osborne. We will all miss her beautiful smile, rich and full laughter, and her great sense of humor. The final years of Wilma’s life were spent in the care of Green Country Assisted Living, and her daughters wish to express enormous gratitude for the dedicated and loving care they provided for her. Also, we are most appreciative of the support of Grace Hospice in her final days.

Wilma Louise Hope

March 14, 1923 - January 10, 2020