Wilma Claudine Reeves Maxey Kneisly, at age 85, departed this life to realized the promises of her faith from NMMC Hospice in Tupelo. Wilma transformed to eternal life on Friday, October 7, 2022. Born in Saltillo on November 23, 1936 to the late Claude Reeves and Nora Jane Reeves, she grew up here and married Gillie Bernard Maxey, who died in 1979. She later married Ralph Kneisly, who died in 2009. Wilma graduated from Itawamba Agricultural High School, attended Cosmetology school. She later worked many years as the Transportation Secretary for Gulf State’s Manufacturer’s in Starkville, where they lived over 22 years. A true southern Magnolia, Wilma had a pleasant personality, a genuine interest in others and a steely devotion to her faith. She was a longtime member of Harrisburg Baptist Church but recently due to failing health, attended Faith Baptist Church in Saltillo.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 2 pm Monday, October 10, 2022 at the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Bro. Phil Ellis officiating. A private family burial will follow in Young Memorial Cemetery in Smithville. Visitation will be from Noon-service time Monday only at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Livestreaming.
Wilma is survived by her two children; Wayne Maxey (Pamela) of San Diego, Calif. and Debbie Maxey Arrington of Little Rock, Arkansas; her grandchildren, Kyle Maxey (Yesi) of San Diego, Chelsea O’Dowd (Walter) of Royal Oaks, Maryland and Jackson Arrington (Paige) of Little Rock, Ark. 3 great grandchildren, Beila, Nathaniel and Tyler; her lifelong special friend, Morine Rice of Saltillo.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn. 38105. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net
