Wilma Bright

With unending love and devotion to her family, Wilma Bright was intentional in the moments she was given each and every day throughout her entire lifes journey. With an unwavering faith as her constant companion, she was a genuine example of what it means to be a servant of the Lord she loved. There was nothing Wilma treasured more than being surrounded by her family that grew to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she treasured. Strong and courageous in everything that came her way, she considered both the peaks and valleys along her lifes journey to be part of Gods perfect plan for her life. The timeless legacy she leaves behind will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps. The 1930s brought us some of the most challenging days we have faced as a nation as the Great Depression became a harsh reality throughout the entire decade. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and a harsh drought covered our nations heartland for nearly two years during the peak of the unemployment rate. Despite the trying days, a young couple from Franklin, Pennsylvania, was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on August 26, 1932. Wilma Jeanne was the second of two children born at home to her parents, William and Naomi (Shelton) Patterson, and she was raised in the family home alongside her older brother, William, and her younger siblings, David and Delores. In many ways Wilma experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the times. Her father was a steel worker while her mother was a preacher, which meant that everything revolved around her church. As a result, Wilma was very involved in in church at an early age, and this continued throughout her entire life. She discovered a lifelong love for animals and always appreciated having plenty of family to play with. Wilma, along with her siblings and cousins, loved sledding down a hill all the way to the river. She was a student at local schools including when their family moved to Pittsburgh. They were a traditional family who worked hard and did things like ironing every item of clothing. Wilma went on to graduate from Pittsburgh South Hills High School in 1950. New and exciting changes were in store for Wilma when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Elgie Bright II, and they met while at a camp meeting with her church in Pennsylvania. Wilma thought he was very handsome right from the start, and she was thrilled when he asked for her phone number. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Wilma and Elgie were united in marriage on March 11, 1959. The young couple later moved to Muskegon, Michigan, during the 1960s where they raised their four children including Felicia, Elgie III, Eugene, and Eric. From the moment she became a mother Wilma fully immersed herself in the role, and her children were her life. Her love for them was unconditional, and Wilma was caring, supportive, and fun as a mother, too. One of the things they all loved most was when she read to them. An extraordinary wife, mother, and homemaker, Wilma prepared three home cooked meals for her family a day, and she always made sure that every food group was represented in matching colors, too. Her children loved when their mother woke them up everyday by singing to them, and she fixed them a hearty breakfast each day. Wilma loved taking trips with her husband and children to places like Pictured Rocks, Memphis, Cedar Point, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They also regularly traveled back home to Pennsylvania to visit family. In addition to caring for her family, Wilma enriched her life in numerous other ways. Although she didnt know how to drive for many years, she did teach herself later in life. For a time she worked at Young World Daycare, and she also worked at Orchard View Headstart until retiring. With faith as a cornerstone in her life, Wilma was a longtime member of Church of God United. An outdoor lover, she could often be found playing outside with her children when they were younger, and later on she loved playing outside with her grandchildren. With a special place in her heart for animals, Wilma took in several strays over the years that became beloved companions. As her family and friends can attest, Wilma had a green thumb with an amazing garden of vegetables to show for her efforts each year. In addition to eating her vegetables fresh, Wilma often canned much of her yield to use throughout the year. A wonderful hostess, she loved holidays and having everyone gathered together. In addition to her cooking skills, Wilma was also a talented seamstress. All who knew Wilma Bright would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was a godly woman with a heart of gold and a love for all people. Her enthusiasm, warm demeanor, and genuine concern for others drew people near, and her positive outlook on life was so refreshing. Wilmas love for her family was easy to see, and it was when surrounded by her friends and family that she was truly happy. Life will never be the same without Wilma here, but her loved ones find comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home. Wilma J. Bright died on Saturday, November 1, 2014. Wilmas family includes her children, Felicia Bright-McCrary of Muskegon, Elgie (Doretha) Bright III of Flushing; Eugene (Monique) Bright of GA, Eric (Dee) Bright of AZ; 12 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sister, Delores (Gus) Jones of FL; sister-in-law, Patsy Patterson; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Elgie II; parents; grandchild, Jason McCrary; brothers, William Patterson and David Patterson. Services will be held on Friday, November 7, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Lynnette Gillett officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with Wilmas family and friends on Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Church of God United or Harbor Hospice Poppen House. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.