Wilma Nelson of The Villages, Florida passed away peacefully at Buffalo Crossings Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center under Cornerstone Hospice care. Her daughters, Susan and Charlene along with son-in-law Douglas were able to say their last goodbye’s just before she transitioned to heaven. Wilma lived a long life rich in love and happiness.

Wilma was born December 5, 1928 in Agua Caliente, California, the youngest of 4 children born to Edith May and Thompson Sylvester Drake. Her family moved to Coquille, Oregon before she started school and she graduated from Coquille high school in 1946.

Wilma was married to Harry Eugene McCarthy and gave birth to three daughters, DyAnne Johnson, Susan Pritt and Charlene McCarthy.

Wilma was most proud of her family and their accomplishments. She enjoyed traveling with her extended family; attending her grand and great grandchildren’s sporting events; playing games; and just spending time with family and friends. She was very proud of her excellent driving record for more than 73 years without ever being cited for a moving violation.

Wilma had a variety of careers and achievements over her long and prosperous life. She really enjoyed owning her own dance studio and teaching children, teens and adults tap, jazz and ballroom dance. Her love of dance was highlighted by the joy she had in entering local dance competitions and being crowned the winner. She also was a professional bowler in her spare time, which included winning the Oregon Class A TV Bowling Championship. She was always involved in the communities where she lived while having a variety of successful careers. She was an Administrative Assistant to the Head of the State of Oregon Department of Corrections, as well as a bookkeeper, and licensed insurance agent to name a few.

Wilma is survived by her two daughters Susan and Charlene; two grandchildren Kelly Skinner and Heather Blackwell; nine great grandchildren Kelsi Clarke, Stephanie Johnson, Larissa DeBusschere, Joshua Johnson, Riley Skinner, Rogan Skinner, Caelin Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson and Kaitlin Skinner; and three great great-grandchildren Brylee DeBusschere, Jack Clarke and Brinley DeBusschere. Her unconditional love for her family is the beautiful legacy she leaves them. Wilma was preceded in death by her daughter DyAnne Johnson; grandson Tony Johnson and husband of over 40 years Gordon Mertle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a contribution to Camp Boggy Creek, founded by Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. The camp provides a free and safe year-round medical camping center for children ages 7-17 with serious illnesses and their families. To make a donation go on-line at www.boggycreek.org or call them directly at 352- 483-4119 or email bnesmith@campboggycreek.org.

Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.