Wilma Jean Payne Henley McGowan was born on August 24, 1928, in the Appalachian Mountains of Sherwood, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the late Dave and Beulah Randolph Payne. Sadly, she was widowed and preceded in death by her first husband, J.D. Henley Jr., her second husband, Royce McGowan, her daughters, Gail Henley Davis and Susan Henley Simpson, and her brothers, David Payne and Gordon Payne.
Wilma is survived by her brother, Bob Payne; her sister-in-law, Peggy Payne; her son-in-law, James Wilson Davis Jr.; and her stepdaughter, Linda McGowan Beckham.
She leaves a loving legacy through her grandchildren Scott Beckham (Kelly), John David Bass (Tanya), Jennifer Beckham, Rachel Davis Deppisch (Rich), Ryan Simpson (Shanna), Amanda Teasley (Eric), Allison Davis, and James Wilson Davis III (Amanda).
Wilma’s great grandchildren include Brianna, J.C., Jacob, Leah, Luke, Sophie, Lilly, Andrew, Maxwell, Henley Kate, Jackson, and JD.
Wilma Jean, a remarkable woman, graduated from Franklin County High School as a member of the National Honor Society. Her passion for performing in school plays and leading her school band as a majorette was a memorable time in her life.
A gifted seamstress, a skill learned from her mother, she lovingly sewed countless items for her daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters.
She retired from Castner Knott Department Store after a 20-year career, where she was a friend to all.
After retiring from a 20 year career with Castner Knott Department Store she had time to see the world alongside Royce. She became a spirited traveler who enjoyed touring Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico multiple mother-and-daughter trips, and exciting adventures spent out West with her grandchildren.
She was an incredible grandmother, affectionately known as “Gongie,” who served as a maternal figure to many. Raised in the Church of Christ, Wilma Jean and her husband, Royce, attended Vultee Church of Christ. Later in life, when attending church became physically challenging, she found solace in listening to the sermons of the Madison Church of Christ. Wilma Jean’s selfless devotion to her loved ones will be deeply missed. Her unwavering love for the Lord was evident in her continuous praise during her final days.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Dave Deppisch on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (visitation 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road. Interment Spring Hill Cemetery at 2:45 p.m. Family will serve as Pallbearers.
This obituary was published by Woodbine Funeral Home – Hickory Chapel.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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