A Wilson Family Tree
Notes for Wilma Hopkins Blakey
From www.legacy.com:
Wilma Hopkins Blakey Arnold passed away, January 4, 2007. Just two years after Wilma's birth, her mother, Jessie, died suddenly, and Wilma, along with her older brother Blake, was raised by her devoted father, Victor Blakey, in Eagle Rock, California. Wilma, a child of the depression, was a unique and remarkable woman: strong, independent and resourceful. A tomboy as a child, she blossomed into a stunningly beautiful and confident woman who worked her way through Occidental College and Stanford nursing school as a model. Her photographs graced many fashion magazines, including Vogue. While in nursing school, Wilma was introduced to Stanford medical resident, John W. Arnold, by Rick Kendrick, her childhood friend and John's classmate. Wilma and John fell in love and were married October 20, 1945 in Los Angeles. They celebrated their 61st anniversary this past year. It was not just her physical beauty that drew people to Wilma. Her family and friends loved her selfless kindness, unwavering loyalty, and wonderful sense of humor. Wilma was a character. She embraced life as a left-hander, loved sharing laughter while relating funny stories, and enjoyed doting on her Siamese cat, "Mischief". Wilma was a stay-at-home mom until her sons were grown, but grew bored with an empty nest and obtained her real estate brokerage license in the 1970's. As a bright, outgoing woman, she cultivated a growing business beyond her Los Cerritos neighborhood based upon a well-earned reputation of impeccable integrity. Wilma served as president of the Long Beach Assistance League Rick Rackers organization. A member of the Woman's Golf Club at Virginia Country Club, she also enjoyed fly-fishing, gardening, and travel. The focus of Wilma's life was her devotion to her family, all of whom adored her. She is survived by her husband, Dr. John W. Arnold; sons, John and Bruce; grandchildren, Allison, Lindsay, and Blake Arnold; daughter-in-law, Barbara Cruse Arnold; nieces, Bonnie Blakey Macker, Becky Blakey Briggs, Rebecca Toft Van Dyke, and Cynthia Beckett; nephews, Geoffrey Beckett and Blake Victor Blakey; and sister-in-law, Bobbie Blakey Stephens. Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 11th at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Atlantic Avenue and 7th Street in Long Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in memory of Wilma to Memorial Medical Center Foundation for the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center, Memorial Hospital, 2801 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach California, 90806.
Note: Some of the information in these pages is uncertain. Please let me know of errors or omissions using the email link above. ...Mike Wilson
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