Wilma Ann Long Earnest, a Golden Rule Lady who lived a long, fruitful life that was devoted to God, family and children, departed this life on Saturday, July 29, 2023 from Shearer-Richardson Nursing Home in Okolona where she briefly resided. Wilma was 82 years old. Born near Nettleton in Monroe County on May 29, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Frank Jones Long and Etta Price Long. She grew up in Okolona and graduated from Okolona High School in 1959. On Sept. 1, 1961, she married James Robert Earnest, a union of almost 62 years. A dainty but strong, independent lady, Wilma first worked at Futorian Furniture Mfg. but soon realized her calling was educating children. She founded the Kiddy Kollege Kindergartin School in Okolona and operated it faithfully for over 40 years. Thousands of boys and girls will long remember the foundational teachings and love “Miss Wilma” taught them. A longtime faithful and active member of the First Baptist Church, Okolona, she taught Sunday school, was a Vacation Bible School leader, and was on the Food Committee. Wilma spent the last 15 years of her life as a greeter at the West Main Walmart in Tupelo. A kind, caring and giving soul, she was the queen of yard sales and thrift stores, a master seamstress and crafts lady, a canner always giving her canned goods away and an extraordinary cook, especially known for her chicken and dressing. Wilma continued to visit schools reading to the children up until her health began to fail. She adored her children and grandchildren and did the best she could keeping her husband, James Robert, on the straight and narrow.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church-Okolona with Rev. Dr. Randy Lewman and Bro. Roy McHenry officiating. Private burial will be in East Chickasaw Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5 pm-7 pm on Monday, July 31, 2023 and from 10 AM-service time on Tuesday, all at First Baptist Church-Okolona. Holland Funeral Directors-Okolona Chapel is honored to be serving their friends.
Wilma is survived by her husband, James Robert “JR” Earnest of Okolona; 2 daughters, Susan Earnest Butler, and Bridgett Inmon (Justin); 6 grandchildren, Jake, Mattie, Trent, Colby, Riley and Colton; 2 great grandchildren, Emma and Eden; a sister, Annette Posey (Donnie) and a brother, Frank Long, Jr.; several nieces, nephews and cousins and their families and thousands of her “kindergarten children” scattered across the country. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Etta Long, a daughter, Toni Renee Earnest, and sisters Becky, Dorothy and Janie.
Memorials may be made to Shearer-Richardson Nursing Home, 803 Rockwell St., Okolona, MS 38860 or to First Baptist Church, 201 West Main St., Okolona, MS 38860.
