Wilma Dean Wilcox

Wilma Dean Purcell Wilcox, 86 years old, of Harahan, Louisiana went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 17, 2020. She was born on February 9, 1934. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bertha Leon Tollison Johnson and Henry Clay Purcell, and by her brother, Everett Purcell of New Mexico.
She had six children to whom she devoted her whole life: Therese Wilcox, the late Frederick “Bud” Wilcox, Jr., Thomas “Tommy” Wilcox (Mary), Monica Wilcox Fabacher (Donald), the late Theodore “Teddie” Wilcox, and Rose Wilcox Gobuzzi (AJ). Maw-Maw Wilma was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Holly Hoffmann Henderson (Chris), Gary Hoffmann (Traci), Heidi Hoffmann McGovern, Matthew Hoffmann (Kristen), Kristi Wilcox Arth (Bill), Kacie Wilcox Duncan (Hunter), Donald Fabacher, Jr. (Nicole), Chad Fabacher (Michelle), Jarrod Fabacher (Kerrah), Mark Wilcox, and Christopher Boe. She was always active in her grandchildren’s games and was known for cheering along, chanting “That-a-boy!”
She was so excited about her 22 great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “GG”: Brendon Wilcox, Jacob Eames, Joshua Eames, Brad Crescioni, Brody Crescioni, Brice McGovern, Sophia Hoffmann, Donald Fabacher III, Gabriella Fabacher, Jax Fabacher, Jhett Fabacher, Tatum Fabacher, Ivey Fabacher, Eden Fabacher, William “Liam” Arth, Charles “Charlie” Arth, Luke Duncan, Maddox Hoffmann, Reece Hoffmann, Cannon Wilcox, Skylee Wilcox, and Saige Boe.
She was born in Bonham, Texas and moved to New Orleans when she was 8 years old. She was fascinated with the city of New Orleans. When she and her mother moved to the city, they lived in a hotel on St. Charles. She loved the hamburgers from Meal-a-Minit and the fruit stand on the corner. However, the one thing she loved the most about the city was what she call “The Magic Kingdom” – the New Orleans Public Library. She was an avid reader and loved to read books on architecture, plantation homes, parks, and symphonies. She graduated from Kenner High School in 1952. She was the homecoming queen her senior year and was voted most friendly and most popular by her classmates. After graduating high school, she served our military for two years as an Airman Second Class in the U.S. Air Force. She was honorably discharged to marry Freddie Wilcox, whom she has met at Kenner High School.
Later, she worked for South Central Bell as a switchboard operator and retired after 27 years of service. At South Central Bell, she met Mrs. Jackie Palmisano Bergeron and Mr. Mel Bergeron, who became and remain loyal friends. Their families shared many vacations, memories, and laughs together. She was loved and universally cherished by all her family. She always had a smile on her face, a dance in her feet, and a small dog by her side. She loved carousels, music, and gardening, and you could always find her tending the roses and petunias that flowered her back porch. She had an infectious laugh and a sweet disposition that nothing could defeat.
The family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice for her excellent care. Alysha and Dauphiny, your professional skills, compassion, and understanding will never be forgotten. We will forever miss our mom, grandmother, GG, and friend who had the most amazing heart. We lost a precious gift, and we look forward to seeing her again one day.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Services at Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery, 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie, LA on Thursday, May 21, 2020. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am with a service at 10:30 am followed by interment. Due to COVID-19, please follow all state guidelines regarding 50 people max.

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