Wilma Havens

Wilma Moore Havens, age 85, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023, in Gulfport, Mississippi. Wilma was born to Earl and Vada Moore on August 11, 1938, in Wiggins, Mississippi. She was a woman of quiet strength, boundless love, and unwavering grace. Her presence in the lives of those she loved was a blessing and a constant source of solace for her family. She was one of four children and graduated from Big Level High School where she was an avid basketball player and was selected as “Most Beautiful” by her graduating class.

At the age of 12, Wilma attended a singing school at Broome High School in Daisy Vestry, Mississippi, where she met a boy who later became the love of her life, Lynn Havens. After she graduated high school, they married on May 5,1956 and in 1959, they made their home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In the years to follow, the couple's three children arrived, and along with Lynn, were the absolute joys of her life. In addition to working at Northrops Department Store in downtown Gulfport, and later for Harrison County School District and Bayou View Middle School, her early life was dedicated to raising their three daughters. She enjoyed sewing and playing the piano for the family, as well as attending various local sporting events. Her faith was an integral part of her life. Wilma was a dedicated, life-long member of New Hope Baptist Church. She actively participated in various church activities, including her involvement in charitable programs and serving as a leader for the youth GA program. Her kindness, compassion and unwavering faith were admirable and touched the lives of many in the church congregation.

After church, Wilma always looked forward to hosting weekly Sunday lunch for the family. As the family grew, she enjoyed sitting on her back porch watching the grandchildren swim and play. These memories will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her influence will continue to shape their lives in the years to come.

Wilma is preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Lynn Havens, her parents Earl and Vada Moore, her brother Bill Moore and two grandsons Sam Stanley and Brooks Moran.

Wilma will be deeply missed by her three daughters, Terrie Moran (Tim), Pam Stanley and Jan Davis (Clay). She was adored by her grandchildren, Jessica (Joel), Jayme (Caffery), Matthew (Zhongyuan), Mary Grace (Sam), Cy (Kayla), Anna (Michael) and Kristin (Jon). Also by 12 beautiful great-grandchildren. Wilma is also survived by two sisters, Sandy Rogers (Calvin), LaJuan Hendry, sister-in-law, Ruth Moore and brother-in-law, P.C. Havens.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Canon Hospice and Amanda Fisk for their loving care and support.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 10 - 11 am at New Hope Baptist Church, Gulfport.  The funeral service will be at 11 am in the church.  Interment will be in Ten Mile Cemetery, Wiggins.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com