Wilma Dean Sowders

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Wilma Dean Sowders. Wilma passed away on February 27, 2023, at the age of 89 years. Wilma was born on April 21, 1933, in Sharps Chapel, Tennessee, to Ernest Verlin Tolliver and Minnie Viola (Patton) Tolliver. Wilma attended Powell Valley High School and graduated in 1951. Wilma worked for several years as a teacher’s aid at Ellen Meyers Elementary School, a seamstress at the LaFollette Shirt Factory, operated Sowders Trailer Park with her late husband, Homer Henry Sowders, and worked at Mason’s Florist. Wilma was a long-time member of Gap Creek Baptist Church of Arthur, TN. Wilma was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings: Rodger Willis Tolliver, Ruby Mildred Tolliver-Brooks, and James Walter Tolliver.

Wilma is survived by her siblings: Vernon ‘Buddy’ Tolliver of Middlesboro, KY, Madge Tolliver-Robinson of Knoxville, TN, and Nellie June Tolliver-Sanders of Harrogate, TN.

Wilma is survived by her special niece and nephew, Sheila and Steve Mason.

Wilma is survived by a host of nieces and nephews: Anne Elizabeth (Steve) Givens, Jason Eric (Tina) Robinson, Gail Tolliver, Danny Lynn Tolliver, James ‘Butch’ Tolliver, Leigh Ann Tolliver, Teresa ‘Penny’ Tolliver, Tracy Tolliver, Judy Sharon ‘Suzie’ Icenhour, Amy Icenhour, Jill Brooks-Hatmaker, Donna Madge Brooks, and Charlotte Ann (Lynn) Earls.

Wilma is also survived by great nieces and great nephews: Roger Dean (Marissa) Mason, Alancia Ann Mason, August ‘Auggie’ Brock, Belle Mason, Logan Mason, Jack Mason, Abigail Givens, Sarah Givens, and Elizabeth Givens.

Funeral Services are being held at Arnette and Steele Funeral Home of Harrogate, TN.

Receiving Friends and Family will be from 12pm-2pm on March 4, 2023, with the Funeral and Graveside Services immediately following with the Reverend Terry England presiding. Burial will be at Harrogate Cemetery.

Pallbearers are as follows: Steve Mason, Roger Mason, Ike Rhodes, Mike Hensley, and Richard Parker.

Honorary Pallbearers are as follows: Eddie Shoffner, Wayne Lee, Vernon ‘Buddy’ Tolliver, Jason Robinson, and Donnie Massengill.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude towards Claiborne Health and Rehab Staff, Dr. Angelo Sorce, and Sadril Mohammad, PA-C, for all the wonderful care they provided.

The Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Wilma Dean Sowders.