Obituary of Wilma Hembry

Obituary of Wilma Hembry Born in Paris, Texas to the union of Mary Russell and William ‘Bill’ Rollerson, Mary Wilma Rollerson Hembry was touted as one of the most beautiful and poised women in Lamar County, Texas. One of 7 siblings, Wilma was the youngest and was preceded in death by all of her brothers and sisters: Dick, Harvey, Beatrice, Mattie, Dahlia, Alma, her grandson Mulele Gardner and her husband, Winifred. She married Winifred Anthony “Boss” Hembry in 1948 and to that union two daughters were born, Karen and Lisa. Wilma supported the family while her husband obtained his dental surgery degree from Howard University in Washington, DC. They were married 54 years until his death in 2002. She graduated from Bishop College (now Paul Quinn) in Dallas. Wilma was an active member of the Dallas Chapter of the Links, Inc. over 50 years and became one of a handful of national Links’ members to attain Platinum membership status. A charter member of the 13 Hearts Bridge Club for over 50 years, she regularly attended games twice a month until age 98, even winning games occasionally. She frequently hosted bridge lessons at her home for young women that wanted to learn her beloved game. In the early 1960’s, Wilma lead the March of Dimes effort in West Dallas where her husband’s thriving dental practice provided service to some of the city’s most impoverished residents. Organizing a door-to-door canvas, she educated hundreds of women about the need to vaccinate their children against polio. She taught students at Pinkston High School for several years and served as a DISD substitute teacher. Wilma and Boss Hembry travelled the world together and enjoyed a rich social life in Dallas including local and national dental societies, the Prairie View A&M Alumni Association and the Regular Fellows Social Club. She leaves behind her two daughters, Karen Hembry, Phd., Lisa Hembry, granddaughter Karma von Burg and her husband Philippe, great-granddaughter Gabrielle Gardner, a host of nieces and nephews, and extended family who will miss her dearly. She was an active member of Cedar Crest CME Cathedral for over 50 years serving in a variety of leadership roles until her death. Her favorite expression was ‘pretty is as pretty does’ and Wilma will be remembered for the amazing hospitality she offered everyone that entered her home. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the African American Museum, PO Box 150157, Dallas, TX 75315, or to the LIFT (Literacy Instruction for Texas) Scholarship Fund, 1610 S. Malcolm X Blvd., Dallas 75226.