Wilma Harrington

Wilma Imogene Ramsey Harrington, age, 101, was born at home in the Thicket Community near Omaha, Illinois on March 19, 1918.  She passed on this life, April 15, 2019 at the Wabash Christian Village in Carmi.  Her parents, Jesse Charles and Pearl Rister Ramsey preceded her in death, as did her four younger siblings; Lola Marie Field, Bernie Lee Ramsey, Charles Estel Ramsey and Genevieve Hutchison.

As a young teenager she began working alongside her father on the family farm driving a team of horses to till and to plant.  After marriage she continued her interest in farming as a farm wife.  In 1969 she completed the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Southeastern Illinois College, graduating at the top of her class.  Wilma was a homemaker, avid gardener, an excellent cook and enjoyed community service throughout her life.  She was an active member of New Hope General Baptist Church for over 90 years.

She married John D. Harrington on December 12, 1936.  He preceded her in death in May of 2008.  Surviving are two daughters, Ladonna J. Oxford and husband Gary of Omaha, IL, and Betty C. Van Zant and husband Tom Burdon of Evansville, IN, four grandchildren, Tracy Van Zant-Zeller and husband Jim of Evansville, IN, David Oxford and wife Julie of Benton, IL, Kelly Van Zant and husband James Russell of Geneva, FL, Thomas Oxford and wife Lorie of Norris City, IL, six great grandchildren, Zachary (Haley) Oxford, Bethany Oxford, Colin Thompson, Lillian Thompson, Emily (Joseph) McDaniel, and Derek Oxford and two great great granddaughters, Aria Oxford and Joselyn Oxford.

Visitation for Wilma will be on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the New Hope General Baptist Church, north of Ridgway from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM with her funeral service immediately following.  Rev. Mike Fields will officiate and burial will follow in the Old Cottonwood cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the New Hope General Baptist Church, Envelopes will be available at the church.

Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway is entrusted with the arrangements and you may send a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com