Wilma S. Darby

Wilma S. Darby
March 16, 1924 to August 28, 2021

Wilma Sarita Minisee Darby was born March 16, 1924 to James and Mildred Minisee. She was the second of four children, Winetta Minisee, Darwin L. Minisee and Richard L. Minisee. She graduated from Emmanuel Missionary College (now Andrews University) with a Bachelors degree in French and from the University of Michigan with a Masters in Social Work.

Wilma was married to James Darby and three daughters were born to the union. Wilma was blessed with an excellent professional career, retiring as a professor from Andrews University in 1989. After retiring she and James spent time traveling around much of the world. Wilma’s prayer life was her secret to her engaging smile, pleasant spirit, generous kindness and unconditional love that were blessings to many people.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mildred Minisee; sister, Winetta; brothers, Darwin and Richard; her husband of 42 years, James Darby; and grandson, Anthony Christopher Greene II.

She is survived by her sisters-in-law: Margie Minisee, Delores Minisee, and Linda Darby Ingram; her daughters: Yvonne (Anthony Greene), Dawn (George Ray), and M. Winetta (Allen Powell); her grandchildren: Elyse Greene, James (Leah) Greene, George (Bianaca) Ray II, Alphonzo Ray, Christopher Ray, Dr. Alisha Powell, Allen Powell Jr., Alonda Savage, and Alvin Powell; nephews, nieces, and a host of cousins, along with adopted sons and daughters.

Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, at Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs, where the funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

Memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com. Condolences may be sent to the home of Anthony and Yvonne Greene, 1702 Hiawatha Dr., S. E., Grand Rapids, MI 49506.