Wilma Cartee Gifford, 86

Wilma Louise (Cartee) Gifford, 86, of Franklin Furnace, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at her daughter’s home with her family by her side. Wilma was born Aug. 23, 1926, in Lyra, Ohio, a daughter of the late Forrest Cartee and Susie (Dutiel) Cartee. She was a faithful member of Midland Missionary Baptist Church in Franklin Furnace.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Gifford, whom she married July 31, 1946, in Scioto Co.; a grandson, Chris Cooper; two sisters, Faye Carter and Lorena Henry and a brother, Gary Cartee.

She is survived by a son, Pat (Donna) Gifford; four daughters, Rita (Steve) Ratliff, Towana (Merrill) Howland, Tina Cooper, and Kay (Doug) Slusher; three sisters, Hazel Blackburn, Phyllis Micucci, and Mary Brannigan; and two brothers, Harold and Emil Cartee; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg, Ohio with Todd Cooper officiating. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to the hour of the funeral. Burial will be in Sunset Gardens.

The family strongly requests donations be made to Hospice in lieu of flowers.