Wilma Louise Kerby

Unknown - Sep 1st, 2011
  • Birth Date: Unknown
  • Death Date: Sep 1, 2011
  • Funeral Date: Unknown
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Biography: Wilma Louise Kerby, age 95, of Little Rock, another angel God called passed away September 1, 2011 after complications from a fall. She was such a special angel we know she will have a front row seat in heaven along with her loving husband, John. Louise was born May 22, 1916, in Little Rock to the late Wilbur A. and Carrie Louise Fisher Bailey. She is preceded in death by her husband, John C. Kerby and 2 brothers, Wilbur Bailey, Jr. and James M. Bailey. Louise was a 1934 honor student and graduate of Little Rock High School. She and her husband, John owned OK Sales, an Army surplus store they opened after WWII. She designed and made kitchen plaques that were sold at Pfeifers Home Center in Little Rock and Hudson Departments Stores in Detroit, Michigan. From 1950 to 1955, she held the position of the first state cancer case recorder at the cancer commission at UAMS. From 1955 to 1972, she was office manager for a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic back specialist, Dr. Jim Moore. She was office manager for a psychiatrist, Wanda Stephens, a secretary at Children?s Medical Services Department and in 1975 she was chairman of the Education and Certification Committee. She was President of Pulaski County Medical Assistants and was Medical Assistant of the year in 1961. Louise and John did volunteer work with SCAN and the Crisis Center. She participated in the Civil Rights Movement and was proud of the shoes (which she still has) she wore when she marched at the state capitol. She was an early member of Pulaski Heights Christian Church where she taught Sunday school for many years, and she and her husband lead many youth groups and she served as Deaconess. Anyone who was fortunate enough to have known Louise knew she gave her heart and soul in everything she did. She was a very compassionate person who believed all people were God?s children. She never met a stranger and was willing to help anyone and did not judge them. She and her husband mentored many youths? as well, even helping to raise a great-nephew. Louise loved flowers, gardening, the beach, fishing, dancing, singing, music, working crossword puzzles giving herself 8 minutes or so to complete the one in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. She loved great conversation and was always interested in politics and family history. In later years she was very proud she would care for her husband, John, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer?s. She kept him at home, caring for him herself until he passed away at the age of 90. She lived alone in the home she and John bought together and was very proud of until her recent fall. Louise is survived by her daughter, Kay Smith; son-in-law, Robert O. Smith, Jr.; 2 grandchildren, Pamela Harmon and Scott Smith all of Bryant; a sister, Carolyn McPherson; family member, Victor Miron; nephews, Robert M. Bailey, Phillip Miron and family, Victor Mirontschuk and family and Donn Kerby; great-nephew, Michael Bailey; nieces, Natalie Parks and husband, Jack and family, Kathy Seay and husband, Mike and family, Linda Goff and husband, Ricky and family, Carol Lowe and husband, Henry and family, Patsy Joslin and family, Joellen Sapp and husband, Dennis, Sandy McMillan and family and Vicki Morgan and family and sister-in-law, Reba Bailey. The family wishes to thank all family and friends for their numerous visits and calls of concern and kindness shown. Louise was a very loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all. Visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St., on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 10 a.m. officiated by Rev. Donna Roundtree. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer?s Arkansas, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. When asked in later years how she was doing Louise would say, ?I?m not mildewing? or ?I?m ok, but my body is in a mell of a hess.?

Condolences(04)
Sylvia Adams
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
It was more than a pleasure to provide service for Mrs. Kerby. She was always very pleasant and most helpful in whatever we were attemtping to do. We at Adams Pest Control of LR will miss her. We are very sorry we did not get to know her better and longer. May God Bless your family. Thank you, Sylvia Adams and the entire family of Glynn Adams
Victor A. Mirontschuk
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so sorry for the loss of our dear Aunt Louise. We will miss her spirit, love of life and presence.
Emily Calhoun Gallagher
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I'm so sorry for your loss, but she is at peace now, no pain, and is with John in a beautiful place and I can see her carrying on all kinds of conversations with loved ones. I'm so blessed to have been at her 95th birthday party. She was so special.
Joellyn Bailey Sapp
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I count it an honor that I had the opportunity to get to know my Aunt Louise better in the last few years. I came to appreciate her love of life and of people. She certainly had the spiritual gift of mercy. She fiercely loved her family, all of them. I am glad to know that she is now with her beloved John, and that now she is also with her little brother, Jimmy. I know he is glad to see his sister, "Luke".Nay

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