Obituary of Wilma "Billie" Whitmeyer

Wilma K. "Billie" Whitmeyer, 82, of 21 Waldemere Way, Lakewood, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2014 in WCA Hospital after a brief unexpected illness. She was born July 30, 1931 in Omaha, Nebraska, a daughter of the late George and Kathryn Schobert Matheson, and a graduate of North High School. Following marriage, Billie moved with her family to Kansas City, Missouri, Buffalo, Jamestown and Lakewood, NY. A mother of four, she had been a teacher's aide at Fletcher School, as well as a volunteer for WCA Hospital. Billie was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she was active in the flower committee. She loved gardening, painting, travel, and world history and was ahead of her time for conservation and the environment. She was courageous throughout life and at the end of her life. She will not be forgotten. Billie is survived by her husband, James F. Whitmeyer; four children: Susan (David) Popelka of Omaha, Neb., Nancy (Mark) Johnson of Lakewood, NY, Charles (Sandy) Whitmeyer of Gilbert, Ariz. and Tom (MaryAnn) Whitmeyer of Washington, DC; eight grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; and two sisters, Carolyn Ireland and Margie Timmins, both of Omaha, Neb. A remembrance ceremony celebrating her life will be held this summer on a date to be announced by the Lind Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Flower Fund, 509 Prendergast Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701.