Wilma McDonald was born August 18, 1917 in Calumet, Oklahoma. Wilma graduated from Calumet High School at the age of 16 as Valedictorian of her class. From there she attended Hills Business College in Oklahoma City. Wilma worked as an administrative assistant to the owner of White Brothers Auto Parts. Her hobbies included volunteering as a candy stiper at Deaconess, being an instructor for the Blue Birds, and helping her husband with his accounting company. Wilma’s pet peeve is being woke up in the mornings. She didn’t like being woke up then and she still doesn’t like it now, she says. Wilma and her husband were married for 44 years. They had one daughter Janis, two grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in your lifetime?
“The freedom that we have now.” “It wasn’t always this easy.” “We had no recreation.” “We just worked on the farm and didn’t have much.”
If you could give one piece of advice to the younger generations, what would it be?
“Be honest, do your duties, work hard, and be honest about it.”
What’s on your bucket list to still accomplish in life?
“When I was younger I would have liked to meet some famous actors and actresses.” “I can’t remember who my favorites were now though.”
What’s your legacy…what do you want to be most remembered for?
“My honesty and forthrightness.”
Favorite quote or favorite saying?
“Nothing in particular.” “I admired my mom and dad because of how hard they worked for everything.” It wasn’t anything they said that stuck with me but what they did!”
Anything else you would like to tell us?
“We always grew our own food and raised our own meat.” “My mom would trade goods and foods for my clothes at the local clothing store.”
For more information about Tealridge Assisted Living and Memory Care, contact us here.