Wilda “Gaye” Martin Williams, of Springfield, MO, passed away April 23, 2026 at age 93. She was a member of Second Baptist Church. Gaye grew up in the beautiful hills of West Virginia, surrounded by relatives from both sides of her family. She was active in church, school glee club, and band. She attended Concord College, planning to be a teacher. After marriage and motherhood, she became an accomplished seamstress and cake decorator. Once her children were in school, she returned to work as a telephone operator with South Central Bell. Following retirement after 26 years, she began a second career as the manager of a community center, where she invested in the lives of young people.

Gaye was creative, giving, and fun-loving. She enjoyed traveling. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers charitable organization, and volunteered as a crafts counselor with Camp Bluebird, a camp for cancer survivors. She was honored to be chosen as Woman of the Year for her chapter of American Business Women’s Association in 2003. In her retirement years, Gaye learned oil painting, purse making, jewelry design, scrapbooking, clowning, and even tap dancing.

Gaye was preceded in death by her husband J.P., daughter Janet, parents, two brothers, and a sister.

She is survived by her children Laura (Randy), Linda (Ben), Lisa (Don), and John, grandchildren Blaine, Nicholas (Sarah), David (Katie), and Delilah, niece Julie (Jeff), and many other loving and loved family members and friends.

Gaye believed in laughter as the best medicine. She loved hearts and bright colors, especially pink. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at United Baptist Church, Springfield, MO. with a visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. before services at the church. Please wear pink or another bright color as you come and remember Gaye with us. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association or another charitable group dear to your heart.

Interment will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO. at a later date. The family wishes to thank Springfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and Haven Hospice for their tender and compassionate care of Gaye.

Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South.