Wilma R. Richie

CHARLESTON, IL – Wilma Ruth Richie, age 84 of Charleston, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Hilltop Skilled Nursing.  A graveside service for family and friends in celebration of her life, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Roselawn Cemetery with Pastor Ray Finney officiating.

Wilma was born on July 8, 1936 in Charleston, Illinois, the daughter of the late Reverend Stanton and Vivian (Cox) Lawyer.  She married James M. Richie on February 4, 1952 in Charleston, who preceded her in death.  Wilma is survived by four devoted children, James A. Richie and spouse Mary of Pleasant View, Tennessee, Pam Arnold and spouse Scott of Champaign, Illinois, Connie Baker and spouse Jeff of Charleston, Betsy Kooy and spouse Bob of Peoria, Illinois; seven grandchildren, James P. Richie and spouse Sarrah of Vail, Arizona, Katie Pendleton and spouse Tony of Clarksville, Tennessee, Amanda Coffey and spouse Kyle of Ashmore, Illinois, Courtney Maxwell and spouse Bart of Champaign, Jeff Baker, Jr. and spouse Aimie of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jordan Baker of Terre Haute, Indiana, Jessica Stanfield and spouse Mike of Jacksonville, Florida; eleven great-grandchildren; and several cousins.

Wilma and Jim were long-time members of Salisbury Church and most recently she had attended Charleston Wesley United Methodist Church. 

Wilma attended Eastern Normal School in Charleston.  She and Jim shared a passion for southern gospel music and through the years attended many concerts.  Wilma loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed reading and anything social.  Wilma will be sadly missed by all those who knew her.

She grew up in the floral business, having started working as a teen with her parents at Lawyer Flower Shop.  She eventually became a partner in Lawyer-Richie Florists and delivered flowers for the third-generation same family-owned business until she and her daughter’s retirement in 2019. 

A special thanks to the many who have helped care for Wilma in recent years including Kayla Baker, Kay Wheeler, Lincolnland Hospice, Sara Wilson, and long-time friend Donna Tammen.

To honor her legacy of providing floral memories to generations of Charleston area residents, the family requests floral tributes.  Memorials may also be directed to Lincolnland Hospice or Coles County Humane Association and can be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.

Wilma lived a full life.  She loved the Lord and her family, and sorrowfully left one to bask in the glory of the other.  Wilma was among those more richly blessed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilma R. Richie, please visit our floral store.