Wilma Heloise English

Wilma Heloise English was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina to the late William H. Herring and Fannie Mae Herring on September 25, 1947. She began her education in the Baltimore City Public School system and ultimately emerged as valedictorian of the Paul Lawrence Dunbar Senior High School Class of 1965. While in high school, Wilma studied Business Education and would later go on to receive recognition as the “World's fastest Typist.” In the year 1966, she married the late Edward Lee English, and from that union, her daughter, Veronica Michelle English, was born. In 1976, her son, Matthew Wills, Jr. was born from the union with fiance, Matthew Lee Wills, Sr.Due to her business acumen, Wilma worked as a secretary for attorney William “Bill” Murphy in the early 1970's. She also served as a case worker with a East Baltimore Community Corporation, prior to landing a position as a Revenue Officer in the Collections Department of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 1981. While at the IRS, Wilma was a loyal and dedicated employee who fought diligently for the clients she represented. Upon her retirement in 2006, Wilma was awarded the coveted Albert Gallatin Award by the United States Department of the Treasury in recognition for twenty-five years of outstanding service.Always outspoken, and known for her great sense of humor and quick wit, Wilma was a dedicated, giving and caring friend and relative who was loved and appreciated by many. In addition to being an excellent cook, some of her many talents included singing. Engaging in arts and crafts, and making flower arrangements. Wilma was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In 2007, she was blessed to witness the marriage of her daughter, Veronica, to Maurice Wright and two years later, she was equally proud to witness her son, Matthew Wills, Jr. be recognized as “Employee of the Year” by the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) for his work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. As a doting grandmother, Wilma was thrilled to attend the graduations of her grandsons, Earl R. Schaffer, Jr., from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2009 and Maurice Wright from Megenthaler High School in 2008. In 2006, Wilma lovingly stood by the side of Tanyka Mo'ne Wright, her only granddaughter, as she received the Ben Carson Scholarship.Wilma gave her life to Christ at the age of 17 at the First Baptist Church of Baltimore, prior to jumping Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1955. While at Ebenezer Wilma served faithfully as a member of the Combined and Mass Choirs, known then as the “Voice of Victory,” and regularly attended Bible study. And in 1990, Wilma graduated from the Bible Institute at Ebenezer, under the leadership of then Pastor, Mark L. Saunders.Wilma was preceded in death by her father: William H. Herring, and mother: Fannie Mae Herring, her siblings: James Edward Lawson, Emma Jean Stewart and Owen Curtis (Herring) McIver. She leaves to cherish in memory, her fiance: Matthew Lee Wills, Sr., her daughter: Veronica Michelle Wright, her son: Matthew Wills, Jr., her son-in-law: Maurice W. Wright, her grandsons: Earl R. Schaffer, Jr., Maurice W. Wright, and granddaughter: Tanyka Mo'ne Wright, her niece: Fannie Alyce Herring, her nephew: Bonnell Stewart, Jr., one dedicated great niece: Tiesha Mykia Stewart, and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

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Wilma Heloise English

September 25, 1947 - December 21, 2009