Wilma Jean Bailey Stokes, daughter of George Bailey and Sweetie Lee Walker Bailey, was born on December 24, 1946, in Mississippi County, Arkansas. Wilma attended Harrison High School and worked at Universal Manufacturing. She was a committed member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, serving diligently on the Mother’s Board. Wilma had a talent for sewing and cooking, and was well-known for her rum cakes, chocolate cakes, and butter roll. She was known for her kindness and positive spirit, consistently offering encouragement to those around her.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Baily, her mother, Sweetie Lee Phillips, her bonus father, John E. Phillips II; her son, Earnest Stokes; her daughter, Sonya Stokes; her brother, Houston Bailey; and her granddaughter, Jazmine Stokes. Wilma passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 79.

Those left to cherish precious memories are two sons, Robert (Oscilena) Stokes, Jr., and Thomas (Venisa) Stokes all of Blytheville, Arkansas; one daughter, Shelia (Michael) Martin of Blytheville, Arkansas; one brother, John E. Phillips, III of Blytheville, Arkansas; four sisters, Georgia Ann (St. John) Carter of Cibolo, Texas; Carolyn Phillips and Linda (Dewight) Milkson all of Blytheville, Arkansas; and Brenda Phillips-Bea of Lawrenceville, Georgia; two loving grandchildren that she raised as her own children, LaShawn Harris and LaShyia Harris both of the home, 16 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 920 South Lake Street, Blytheville, Arkansas where Reverend Doctor Bobby Patterson is the pastor.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held at the church on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Bishop Theodis Rucker will deliver the eulogy, with interment to follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.mhfuneralhomeinc.com or via the McDonald-Horne Funeral Home Facebook page.

McDonald-Horne Funeral Home is honored to provide professional care and arrangements.