Wilda Bowers

Wilda Joyce Blake Bowers, born on March 15, 1951, passed away on September 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. Wilda was a wonderful person with the biggest heart and smile. She uplifted everyone around her with the simple warmth of her smile. Even though she always claimed to be shy, she was the kind of person who never met a stranger, only a friend that she hadn’t gotten to know yet. Naturally, Wilda had a special gift that allowed everyone she encountered to feel at ease, noticed, and loved. She was the truest example of how to love your neighbor and be a true friend to all. This is one of the many reasons that she was an extraordinary kindergarten teacher. She taught kindergarten at West Pines Elementary for 43 years. She was well known for her songs, phrases, and stories. I believe everyone remembers the phrase, “the world is turning.” The impact that she left on her students, and the West Pines community, will be remembered forever.

Wilda was survived by her two children, Amber (Jesse) Hayes, and Austin (Cassie) Bowers. Her precious grandchildren, Grace, Martin, Allison, and Matthew Hayes. Siblings Wayne Blake, Nina Collins, and Anita (David) West. Special nieces and nephews, Jared (Karah) Collins, Logan (Lexie) Collins, Trey Collins, Kiley (Hayden) Hinkle, Will West, and Blake West. Great-nieces Reece and Lane Collins, and Lakely Coleman.

She was preceded in death by her parents Euen and Bertha Shelton Blake, whom she is now reunited with. She grieved them for years, so it is comforting to know that they are rejoicing in Heaven together.

To know Wilda was to love her. She was our world and the light of our lives. She loved God and her family immensely, and she lived each day as a beautiful reflection of God’s light, sharing it with everyone she encountered. Our momma was extremely gifted in many areas. She was highly intelligent, exceptionally crafty, a gifted seamstress, an amazing cook, and someone who always gave the best advice. She was truly a woman who could do it all, and she used her many gifts and talents to care for and help those
around her. She made a lasting impact on so many through her 75 years of life. The number of former students that have reached out to say how much they thought of her is testament to that.

My brother and I were blessed to have such an amazing lady as our momma. She was one of a kind, and we will always love and cherish the time that we got to spend with her. We would like to honor her legacy by starting a scholarship fund for Greene County students who wish to pursue an
education degree.

The family will receive friends Saturday, September 5,2026 from 2-6 pm at Jeffers Funeral Service at Afton. The funeral will be held Sunday, September 6,2026 at 2:30 pm at Greystone FWB Church with Joel Burns officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jared, Logan, and Trey Collins; Will West; David West; Martin Hayes; and Matthew Hayes. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of her friends, co-workers, former students, and people she has made an impact on during her 75 years.

The family would like to thank everyone for all the prayers and words of comfort. Please keep them coming as we try to navigate this chapter, which will be extremely difficult on us all.
Love you always, Momma,
Amber & Austin.