Wilma Booth of Elgin died from Coronavirus complications April 10 at Sherman Hospital. A lifelong Southern Baptist and leader in Baptist circles, Booth, 81, is being remembered fondly for decades of service to her church and to Illinois Baptists.
“Wilma was a rare jewel,” said Nate Adams, executive director of the Illinois Baptist State Association. “She loved her Lord, her husband and family, her church, her teaching profession, and her community. She was so active in service and leadership through her church and denomination, even in retirement. I’ve never known a more devoted Illinois Baptist.”
Wilma was baptized at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in 1948, and with her family was active in Clear Creek Association in far southern Illinois.
Wilma and her husband, Jack, were active members of Larkin Avenue Baptist Church and later at Calvary Baptist Church in Elgin and leaders in Fox Valley Baptist Association. On the state level, both of them served in a variety of leadership positions on the IBSA Board and committees. While Wilma served as a representative for Illinois on the national SBC’s Executive Committee, Jack often joked that he had the privilege of being Wilma’s chauffeur, driving her from Chicagoland to Nashville, Tennessee, multiple times each year. Wilma was an active musician, worship leader, and conference leader. She was an advocate for Southern Baptist missions and ministries.
“On a personal level, Wilma and Jack were among my parents’ closest friends, and have been devoted members of the church where my son now serves as pastor,” Adams said. “I’ve known Wilma since I was a teenager. Throughout my life, she has been not only a personal encourager to me, but also a model of church leadership, integrity, generosity, and excellence. She leaves a great void in many lives, including mine, but I am so grateful for her lifelong relationship with Jesus that she now enjoys in eternity.”
Wilma Booth was weakened by illness in the past two years, prior to the onset of COVID-19, but always strong in her faith. She is survived by her husband, Jack, and two daughters, Jennea Murphy and Melana Beyer.
Arrangements have not been announced at this time.