Wilma Belle Mings

Wilma Belle Mings, 95, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Boone Hospital Center. She was born on Oct. 23, 1928 in Laclede County, the daughter of Finis and Ethel (Sumner) Caudle. Wilma attended Competition High School. She married Lee Mings on Feb. 10, 1949, in Benton County, Ark. She was employed at Bargain Barn, Nowell’s grocery store, University of Missouri and retired from Curly’s Cleaning Service. She was a hard worker, sometimes working two jobs at the same time or back-to-back shifts to provide for her family.  But she provided a roof over their heads, food on the table and a toy for each birthday and Christmas. She made more memories with her family than would fit in a photo album. Her daughter said, “Mom didn’t need a purple heart to be my hero!” Wilma worked up until age 87, when her family talked her into finally retiring. Wilma loved to mow her 10 acres, along with gardening and taking care of her chickens. She oversaw organizing and setting up family reunions. She also enjoyed garage sales, flea markets, having her own booth at Itchies and Midway Antique Mall and cooking for her beloved family. She was the best cook and was famous for her fudge, German chocolate cake, no bake cookies, and chocolate chip cookies.
She is survived by children, Daniel Mings (Angela), of Columbia; Beverly Dickenson (Rick), of Hallsville; Patricia Carl (Ray), of Columbia; Rebecca Beary, of Columbia; Deanna Owen, of Fulton; brother, Phillip Caudle, of Centralia; 17 grandchildren;  25 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Mings; parents, Finis and Ethel Caudle; children, Judy Lancaster, Mike Mings and Clifford Mings; siblings, Cleo Glick, Margie Glick, F.J. Caudle, Paris Caudle and Janice Snipes. Memorials may be made in her honor to First Christian Church.Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 573-449-4153. Condolences can be made to the family at www.parkermillard.com.