On June 2, 1929, little did Curtis Moses, and Willa Bell Franklin know that their firstborn baby, Wilma Jean, would be such a joy throughout her 94-years of life. She was supportive, compassionate, and generous. Her years were filled with wonderful experiences that fostered her growth of character and love of family. Wilma’s family relationships were fun filled, with unfaltering love and fierce loyalty to her two younger sisters Mildred (deceased) and Vernada and baby brother Curtis Alexander, who was lovingly known as Butch.

Wilma attended Cleveland Public Schools. At Fairmont Junior High School, her athleticism was evident when she excelled in the 100-yard dash and the 200-yard relay. Her excellence in that area of sports followed her through to Central High School where in her senior year, she was awarded top Senior Girls Athlete. Her love of sports followed her completing course work at Cleveland State University to become an Ohio High School Athletic Association Registered Track & Field Official, as well as a certified USA Track & Field Official. For more than 12 years, she officiated track meets throughout Northeast Ohio on the high school and collegiate levels. Not only did Wilma enjoy sports, she also excelled in modern dance. You could spot her on the dance floor at many social events doing the latest line dance.

As a teenager, Wilma attended Antioch Baptist Church. The youth programs were spiritually and socially inviting. Many youths from other churches along Cedar Avenue gravitated to Shauter Drugstore after church where Wilma was hired as a “soda jerk”. However, she had to give up the position because some friends eagerly sought discounts. She later recalled, “they would order a banana split and only want to pay the price of a sundae.” Wilma made the choice of integrity over popularity.

As a youngster, Wilma began attending Olivet Institutional Baptist Church with her mother. She later returned to Olivet as a young adult and was baptized in 1958. Wilma was a very faithful member. She sang in the Chancelor Choir of Olivet. Having to accompany her mother to weekly rehearsals, it only made sense that she was able to lend her voice officially as a choir member.

In 1992, she became a member of Usher Board #1, and she especially became a dedicated usher at funeral services. She was a proud member of the June Birth Month Ministry.

As a young adult, Wilma elected to enroll in a psychology class at Cuyahoga Community College. She later stated, “the course taught me that everyone doesn’t think like me and there is more than one way to look at a situation.” She acknowledged that this was a lifelong premise that guided her through many challenging moments. For a person with an exceedingly strong, forthright personality, the tempering message was important.

Wilma’s enthusiasm for track & field made her the perfect candidate to assist Deacon Warren Eggleston in the implementation of Olivet’s track program. She not only helped organize and coordinate the track meets, but she also competed in the over 65-year-old 50-yard dash. Although exhausted, and worn, she was victorious.

Wilma met the love of her life, Burnes Jr., in high school. She and Burnes dated for two years. She stated with true candor that the initial attraction was because he had a job and could buy her milkshakes and hamburgers and take her to the movies. Wilma recalled after receiving her engagement ring, she raised her hand constantly to answer the teachers’ questions. Nothing like a diamond to motivate pupil response. It was Wilma’s father who picked out the ring that Burnes bought. He said with paternal conviction, “those kids don’t know anything about rings.” They were married by the late Eugene Ward, Sr. on October 29, 1949, and their romance flourished for over 74 years.

The birth of their only child, their son, Burnes Franklin III was singularly the most important present in their marriage. He proved to be a devoted, tentative, and protective son throughout his parents’ lifetime. He brought joy and peace of mind to each of them.

Her baby brother Butch was born a year after her son Burnes III. As death approached their father Curtis Moses, he asked his new son-in-law Burnes Jr., to raise his only son Butch. Burnes Jr. willingly and totally accepted the role of father to both Burnes III and to Curtis Alexander. Wilma could not have been prouder of her new husband’s compassionate heart.

After her husband’s retirement as Executive Assistant for 31 years with The Cleveland Browns, they enjoyed spending their winters in their second home in Las Vegas. For decades they enjoyed the sunshine, recreational and entertaining activities and making new friends in Las Vegas. They also enjoyed cruising and traveling the world over. Exploring the wonders of Europe, England, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey as well as, South America, Mexico, Canada the Continental USA, and Hawaii.

Wilma had several hobbies that brought her real pleasure. She loved crocheting hats, throws and scarves. Her creative talent spawned her love for the art of calligraphy. She shared her beautiful penmanship by making certificates and addressing cards for others. She also was an avid bridge player. Wilma was ranked by the American Bridge Association. You can also add cooking to her list of favorite things to do. Her delicious seven-layer salad was a well-known item for many June Birth month celebrations at Olivet.

She lit up the room with her many antics and humorous taunts. She and Burnes became role models for people who coveted their zest for life. Wilma was a proud organizer of her high school reunions and was a lifetime member of NAACP. She and Burnes were the earliest black residents in the Lomond area of Shaker Heights. Both situations were ways of supporting integration and opposing segregation.

Wilma had a party personality! She enjoyed her membership in the Red Hatters Organization, a club dedicated to social activities for seniors, and she participated in several activities in Cleveland and Las Vegas. Another social club that rendered many delightful moments was JAFF’s, (Just Anything for Fun) which she enjoyed for 15 years. Wilma attended numerous Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Cleveland Alumni events in support of their Scholarship Foundation.

Wilma was grateful for God’s many blessings. She fervently said many times, “I had a great life.” She was eternally thankful for her wonderful husband, a champion provider, a lifelong confidant, and friend. She was thankful for a devoted son, who actively engaged himself in the care of his parents. She was also thankful for loving family members and friends. Who could ask for more?

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis Moses, and Willa Belle Franklin, her uncle, William Legg Jr., and sister Mildred Dukes.

Wilma peacefully transitioned from her earthly home on March 4, 2024. All who knew her are convinced she is now holding court with many witticisms and much laughter in God’s heavenly home. As usual she is probably the life of the party.

Wilma leaves to mourn her loving husband of 74 years, Burnes Jr., a devoted son Burnes III (Debra), her loving sister Vernada (Allen, bereft of life January 2020), adored brother Curtis (Michele), one first cousin, Milton Franklin, beloved sisters-in-law Phosia Bell (Willard) and Lucretia Wesley. Two nieces Marchelle (E-Thelwood) Currie, Austin Texas, Curstyn Julia Renee’ Franklin. Three nephews Alan & Brian Davis and Kevin Dukes. Goddaughter Chayla Yeboah, Atlanta, Georgia. Along with many other cherished nieces and nephews and countless other family members and friends.