Wilma Ruth Giddings

Wilma Ruth Giddings, 85, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2023. Born on January 25, 1938, in Vilonia, AR to Burton & Dessie Graddy, she was the baby sister to Betty Sue Braden, Sybil Marie Carroll, and Martha Jo Dallas. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dick Giddings; her three daughters, Stephanie Clawson (and her favorite son-in-law Greg), Donna Hall, and Debra Gray; the joy of her life, her 8 grandkids and their families: Zach & Ashley Clawson, Brett & Emma Clawson, Rachel Clawson, Taylor & Hayley Hall, Michael Hall, Tony & Summie Hall, Blake and Kari Anne Gray, and Cody Gray; her eight great-grandkids: Kailyn, Julia, Charles, Silas, Mae, Naomi, Asher & Oliver; and over 100 extended Graddy family members, including her sister Sybil. 

Wilma grew up a country girl on a farm in Vilonia, but moved to the city and met a handsome, young serviceman while she was serving meals at her church. They quickly fell in love and married in 1957. They spent 5 years in Colorado, where Stephanie was born, and then moved to North Little Rock where they built a home (with her dad’s carpentry skills) and joined Park Hill Baptist Church.

Wilma and Dick had Donna and Debra and Wilma worked at raising them and keeping the books for their family business. She sewed clothes for her friends and family. She loved children and taught toddlers at PHBC for over 50 years.

She also found her place of service in WMU at Park Hill. She was active in Round Table, Choir, starting a turban ministry for cancer patients, serving on mission trips, Friendship club, praying daily for her family and missionaries around the world.

She loved her kids and grandkids, spending hours teaching them to play ping-pong, monopoly, and chicken foot. And she didn’t let them win!  She loved to laugh. She attended 100’s of sporting events and school programs; anything her kids or grandkids were a part of, she was there cheering them on. Many conversations were had working puzzles together and if you’ve ever been to their home on Delmar, you’ve played in the toy closet. She loved each one in her family uniquely.

Faith and Family. Those two things were most important to her. She and Dick sacrificed a lot to provide for the girls, and then for their grandkids, and great-grandkids. Every birthday, holiday, family trip to the beach, every family event was a chance for her to remind them of how much she loved them.

As her body began to wear out and she needed more assistance, she moved to Willow Grove of Sherwood where she had a wonderful team of caregivers who loved her like family.

As she left this life and transitioned to the presence of Jesus, we are certain he welcomed her with these words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Memorials can be made to Park Hill Baptist Church Missions or the American Heart Association.

Service will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 11:00 am, at Park Hill Baptist Church, North Little Rock. Visitation will be Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.

Pallbearers include:  Zach Clawson, Brett Clawson, Taylor Hall, Rachel Clawson, Blake Gray, Cody Gray, Michael Hall and Tony Hall.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.