Wilma Irene Miers Pridgen

For 86 years, Wilma Irene Miers Pridgen lived a faith-filled life in accordance with God’s word. With her earthly work completed, she peacefully passed on to her heavenly home on January 15, 2025. Fondly known as “Ms. Willie,” she leaves behind a remarkable legacy of family, friendship, love and charity. Her life was defined by an abiding Christian love that was uplifting to those around her and fortifying during times of personal need. She was born in Dallas, PA on September 1,1938 to the late William N. and Ruby (Smith) Miers. Her twin brother, Robert, died at birth – a loss Willie felt throughout her life. She was predeceased by another brother, Clarence, and three sisters, Hannah Jane Ramsey, Laurel Scheaffer, and Ada Brady, with whom she enjoyed an especially close and cherished relationship. When Willie crossed paths with a handsome U.S. Army MP from South Carolina on assignment at Valley Forge Medical Center, the trajectory of both their lives became one. With a twinkle in his eye, Wittie L. Pridgen charmed Willie and won her heart. As it happened, Willie’s sister, Ada, had also found love with Joseph E. Brady, Jr., and on December 5, 1959, the sisters donned matching dresses and married their sweethearts in a double wedding ceremony. Then, it was off to Florence, South Carolina where Willie and Wittie established their home and started a family. Their faith and marriage were tragically tested when their firstborn, Wittie Shane, was struck and killed by a car at age 7. In a remarkable act of Christian love and compassion, a shattered Willie met with the anguished driver of the vehicle to offer both comfort and forgiveness. In yet another blow to the already bereaved parents, a daughter, Amber Lark, died shortly after birth. Once again, Willie and Wittie moved forward with love rather than despair by adopting a daughter, Cynthia Michele, in 1970 and a son, David Michael in 1973. Willie was a devoted, engaged mother who wielded a wooden spoon as needed and played an active role in her children’s schooling and extracurricular activities. She was also a highly skilled seamstress who generously lent her talents to countless charitable projects. With the children grown, Willie filled her time as an assistant manager at Ben Franklin Crafts. A longtime member of Grace Baptist Church, she was active in the congregation as a volunteer and beloved VBS teacher, and was known for her beautiful vocals and piano playing. In 2020, after 61 years of marriage, her beloved Wittie passed away, and in 2024, Willie embarked on a new chapter in life as a resident of Bethea Baptist Home. From day one, she became the self-proclaimed chairman of the welcoming committee, immersed herself in a whirlwind of social activities, became a Facebook celebrity, and widened her already impressive circle of friends. Thanks to the Bethea staff, the final year of her life was filled with comfort and caring, for which her family is deeply grateful. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Michele (Libby) Pridgen of Florence, son David Pridgen of Darlington, grandson Garrett Pridgen of Florence, step-granddaughters Nina Wiersema of Snow Camp, NC and Mia (Stephen) Perhla of Charlotte, NC, great-grandson Jordan Wiersema of Johnson City, TN, and and nieces Darlene E. (William) McArthur of Mount Airy, NC, Denise L. (Gregory) Breslow of Conway, SC, Holly L. (Peter) Davis of Conshohocken, PA, Duane J. (Stephanie) Brady of Pottstown, PA, Sharon Autry of Arizona, George R. Miers of Norristown, PA and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, and her beloved friend of many years, Inez Rotan of Florence. Family and friends may pay their respects at noon till 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 23rd with a service to follow at 1:00 pm at Grace Baptist Church, 2400 Third Loop Road, Florence, and final committal immediately thereafter at Florence National Cemetery, 803 E. National Cemetery Road. Due to the possibility of severe winter weather, arrangements may be rescheduled. Please watch this website for updates. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Grace Baptist Church Building Fund or Grace Baptist Church Ministry Budget at www.gotogbc.com/giving, or to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.