(From Parker Mortuary)Wilma Faye Norris Sneddon was born August 12, 1927 in Silver City, New Mexico to parents James Justice Norris and Frances Viola McCauley Norris. Wilma’s parents homesteaded a ranch, Sycamore, which was10 miles from Cliff, New Mexico.
Wilma had four brothers, Harold, Kelly, Ray, Edwin (Curly) and a sister, Frieda. Life at Sycamore was difficult, but growing up at the ranch was filled with adventures. The children built playhouses down by the creek, swam in the water tank, and rode horses. Wilma’s parents made sure the children had access to go to school and learn life skills.
Thinking it might be to Wilma’s advantage, her mother arranged for Wilma to stay with a family in Silver City to finish high school. Learning about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from the family, on May 13, 1945 she was baptized a member in the Gila River.
Following high school graduation, Wilma joined the Army Nursing Corps and attended nursing school in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was there that she met her eternal companion, Jack Hillam Sneddon. They were married on October 8, 1946, at Rock Springs, Wyoming. On the 18th of November, 1946 Jack and Wilma were sealed for Time and Eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple. Children, Louis was born in Rock Springs, WY, Duane, and Dale were born in Salt Lake City, UT.
Work opportunities took the family to Waukegan, Illinois, Rapid City, South Dakota, and then to Kansas City where they bought their house in Raytown, Missouri living there for thirty years. Other children joined the family, Janet, Scott, and Jay.
Wilma’s priorities have been family, followed by church and community service. She served as a Stake Primary President, a Relief Society homemaking leader on the Kansas City Stake Relief Society Board, and as the Stake Relief Society President. Working as an office manager for LDS Social Services in Kansas City, she kept records for three counselors. Family history and genealogy has been her joy. She headed the extraction program for two years in Kansas City and for three years in Joplin after Jack’s retirement. For nine years, Jack and Wilma were the coordinators of the Family History Center in the Joplin Stake which they dearly loved.
Wilma’s priorities have been family, followed by church and community service. She served as a Stake Primary President, a Relief Society homemaking leader on the Kansas City Stake Relief Society Board, and as the Stake Relief Society President. Working as an office manager for LDS Social Services in Kansas City, she kept records for three counselors. Family history and genealogy has been her joy. She headed the extraction program for two years in Kansas City and for three years in Joplin after Jack’s retirement. For nine years, Jack and Wilma were the coordinators of the Family History Center in the Joplin Stake which they dearly loved.
Wilma passed away on January 24, 2023 at Carthage, Missouri. She is survived by her children, Louis Sneddon (Vicky), Duane Sneddon (Shirley), Dale Sneddon (Jeanne), Janet Sneddon Green (Randy), Scott Sneddon, Jay Sneddon (Gina). 24 Grandchildren, 46 Great Grandchildren, and 4 Great Great Grandchildren, sister, Freida Norris Welburn, and brother, Edwin (Curly) Norris. Preceding her in death are her husband, Jack Hillam Sneddon, brothers, Kelly Norris, Ray Norris, Harold Norris, and granddaughter Emily Wright.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Carthage with interment to immediately follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, February 2nd from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Parker Mortuary in Joplin.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.
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