Wilma Sonya Morris, 88, Greenfield (formerly Celestine)

Wilma Sonya Morris, 88, passed away after being comforted by her family and friends on December 19, 2023.

She was born to Bernard and Lillian (Hayden) Gilson on September 5, 1935, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Wilma was an outgoing and gregarious woman with an infectious laugh. She grew up in Celestine, Dubois County, and was raised by her foster family, the Striegels, after her parents had to make the best choice for Wilma. A Northeast Dubois County High School graduate, Wilma joined the United States Air Force not long after high school.

She loved to serve her community, either as a member of the United States Air Force, as the owner of the Mini Pub Bar on Pendleton Pike, or as a member of the Moose Lodge, the VFW, the Eagles, the American Legion as well as participating in the Ladies Auxiliary. Wilma also worked for twenty years as an inspector for Naval Avionics. That’s where she met the last love of her life, George Morris, who passed away on October 27, 2018.

When not working or spending time with her friends, Wilma loved arts and crafts projects. Wilma was an accomplished ceramics worker, quilter, and cook who always loved to find something to do. She was an avid gardener. She enjoyed listening to country music and dancing, even while living in the nursing home.

In addition to her parents and husband, Wilma is preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Tammy Morris Herrin (Jim); siblings, Frank Gilson, Joan Fancher, and Bernard Gilson.

She is survived by her children, Cathy L. (Cook) Carpenter (Michael), Candy (Cook) Padgett (Kevin), Roger L. Cook (Lisa), and Ron E. Cook; brother Leo Gilson of Jasper;  19 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church (519 Jefferson Boulevard, Greenfield, Indiana, 46140) on December 30, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with funeral mass held at 12 p.m. with Father Aaron Jenkins presiding.

Burial will be at Washington Park East Cemetery (10612 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229).