Wilma Jean McQuade, 87, of Joplin, Mo. died Friday, July 1, 2022, at her home where she had resided the past year with her daughter Donna. Born February 23, 1935, in Pittsburg, Wilma was the daughter of Floy Bradley Nelson and W.S. Nelson.
Wilma was united in marriage to William Owen McQuade in 1962. He preceded her in death.
Wilma lived most of her life in the Pittsburg area and the past nine years at Carl Junction Assisted Living, in Carl Junction, Mo.
Wilma graduated from Pittsburg High School with the class of 1952. She would go on to earn a Bachelor of Science teaching degree at Kansas State College of Pittsburg and her Master’s in Special Education at Pittsburg State University. She would devout her working years to non-profit work for adults with special needs, due in large part to raising her own son who had these special needs. A pioneer in the field, she started the first workshops and group home in Pittsburg for the developmentally disabled.
Wilma was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg where she was a past President of the United Methodist Women’s group and hosted annual Mother’s Day tea parties. She also volunteered as a pink lady for Mt. Carmel now Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg for many years.
For the past several decades until failing health Wilma enjoyed RV camping throughout the United States, traveling worldwide with her husband Bill. She truly loved the art of quilting and made many quilts for her family.
Her Children: William Clinton McQuade, preceded in death August of 2007; Bonnie Sue Titus (spouse Tom Titus), Dianna “Dee” Timi (spouse Jeff Timi) and Donna Jean Jackson (fiancé Randy Ferson. She had nine grandchildren 28 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren and her beloved dog Louis.
In addition to her husband in 2020 and son William in August of 2007, Wilma was preceded in death by sisters: Eula Daughtery-Wiltgen, and Phyllis Norine (Nelson)Russell.
Graveside services were held Thursday, July 7, at the Highland Park Cemetery. Reverend Mark Chambers officiated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Scholarship she created in memory of her son William Clinton McQuade at Pittsburg State University would honor her legacy.