Wilma Mason

Wilma Gayle Mason, 101, formerly of Fairmount, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Cedar Creek in Marion, where she had resided for several years.

Wilma was born on October 29, 1923, in Fairmount, the daughter of the late William R. Hoppes and Mary (Mittank) Hoppes. She graduated from Fairmount High School, Class of 1941. On Easter Sunday, April 21, 1946, she married Phillip E. Mason before the morning service at Back Creek Friends Church.

A hardworking farm wife, Wilma also served as a clerical worker for Madison and Grant Counties at the ASCS office for 22½ years, retiring in 1983. She previously worked five years at the Paranite in Jonesboro and five years at RCA. After retirement, she enjoyed being a sampler at grocery stores and was an enthusiastic Tupperware salesperson.

Wilma was an active member of Center Christian Church, where she often played the piano, and was a member of the Willing Workers Ladies Group. In her earlier years, she attended Back Creek Friends. Known for her energy, spunky and witty personality, and strong independence, she deeply loved her family. She enjoyed playing cards, growing flowers, and attending gospel concerts.

She is survived by her son, Jay (Paulette) Mason; daughter-in-law, Cheryl (Craig) Baker; grandchildren, Heather (Shane) Guy, Kyle Hamilton (companion Amanda Burkholder), Jennifer (Mark) Tingle, and Corrine Mason (fiancé Ben Bond); great-grandchildren, Payton, Carter, Jackson, and Grant Guy; Camryn, Cailee, and Caitlynn Hamilton; Devan Simmons, Nathan Tingle, and Addison Browell. She is also survived by a special friend, Carolyn (Tom) Jones.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Phil; two sons, Royce Mason and Darrell Mason; and brothers, Lendal Hoppes, Tommy Hoppes, Allen Hoppes, and Eugene Wright.

Services have been entrusted to the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 S. Main Street, Fairmount. A Life Celebration will be held on Monday, August 4, at 3:00 PM with Dr. Thomas Jones officiating. Visitation will take place from 1:00-3:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Fairmount.

Memorial contributions may be made to Center Christian Church in care of the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.