Wilma Oakes

On the calm crisp day of April 11, 1923 in Holdenville, Oklahoma, Leonard and Margaret Mason rejoiced in the birth of their third daughter, Wilma.  Her older sisters, Alice and Bernice, excitingly welcomed her. The girls grew up as sisters united in all things, especially in love. They were strong and exhibited the strength to overcome most obstacles that hindered their progress and / or dreams. Their constant reminder to the family was “Love” as expressed in I Corinthians 13.  Alice, Bernice and Wilma truly demonstrated love by their faith, their truth and their endurance.

The family moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where Wilma attended Moon Junior High and graduated from Douglas High School. 

During the early 1940s, Wilma united in marriage with Lloyd Doakes. They were blessed with six healthy, energetic children: Lloyd Jr., Roy, Farris. Leonard, Margaret, and Larry. Wilma had the unique opportunity of being a military wife. While Lloyd was serving his country during World War II, Wilma sought employment with Douglas Aircraft, where she was known as “Wilma the Riveter”.  After the war, she became a supervisor at Guy James Clothiers for over 20 years.

Wilma was a living portrait of a Christian mother. She made sure that her children were spiritually grounded and grew up to become successful adults. She worked hard to make sure they achieved their dreams.  Wilma loved to cook and enjoyed sharing with others.  At the peak of her enjoying retirement and living a life of leisure, her daughter Margaret transitioned. Wilma immediately stepped in to take care of her grandchildren, and she did it with love, where successfully met the challenges of single parenthood and saw to it that Ivan, Delisha and Douglas were raised together. She remained faithful to their upbringing until they reached adulthood.

God and the church were always the center of her life.  Wilma was a disciple at Antioch Baptist Church (Sand Town) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Paradise Baptist Church.  Keeping with her beliefs and the covenant that she practiced immediately upon moving to San Diego, California, she became a disciple of the Bayview Baptist Church. Her church passions were missionary work, bible study and prayer. Because of her exemplary character as a Christian woman, fervent prayers, hugs and kisses, she was affectionately known to all as “Mother Doakes”.

Wilma lived a great life and was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 13, 2018. She was welcomed home by her parents, George and Margaret; husband, Lloyd Sr.; her children: Margaret, Larry and Farris; her sisters, Alice and Bernice; and her grandson, Cedric.

The biblical teaching and love she practiced will be continued by her sons, Lloyd Jr (Myrtle), Roy (Helen) and Leonard (Myrion); daughters-in-law; Jeannette and Daphne; 17 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many relatives and friends.

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