Wilma Doris Eubanks, age 98, earned her eternal reward April 29, 2023. Her final hours were spent peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.

Wilma was born August 5,1924 in Jenkins, Missouri, to Spencer Tunnell and Cordia (Hartin) Tunnell. She graduated from Verona High School in 1943. After graduation, Wilma worked at the shoe factory in Aurora, Missouri.

On July 4, 1947, Wilma married the love of her life, Elmer Lloyd “Bud” Eubanks. Bud was a minister and Wilma was proud to work right by his side. Their 44 year marriage was a shining example of what a Christian marriage should be. Together they raised two daughters, Ruth and Donna.

When Wilma’s girls were young, the phrase “stay-at-home-mom” didn’t exist. It was usual for women to stay at home with their children while their husbands worked. Wilma was an exceptional wife and mother. She adored her husband and loved her girls unconditionally. Wilma always put everyone else’s needs above her own. She loved doing little things for others, not out of a sense of obligation, but because she had a servant’s heart.

After her husband, Bud, suffered a debilitating heart attack and was unable to return to ministry,
Wilma began working various clerical jobs, but found her “home” at Municipal Court in Springfield, MO, where she worked eleven years before retiring to spend time with Bud. They were enjoying their “golden years” when Bud passed unexpectedly. When given the opportunity to return to work at Municipal Court part-time, Wilma gladly accepted and worked another 28 years, 39 years in total. During her employment, she made lasting friendships and was a blessing to all she worked with. She loved her coworkers and often talked about how good they all were to her, stating they treated her like she was their grandma, “even though I’m old enough to be their great-grandma”. Her last day of work was just two and a half weeks before her passing. She was the oldest city employee.

Wilma’s family was everything to her. She was a devoted mother but always said, “you haven’t lived until you have grandkids.” She was blessed with 5 grandchildren, plus their spouses, and 5 great-grandchildren. She will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Spencer and Cordia Tunnell, two sisters, Thelma Powers and her husband Cecil Powers, Velma “Tootie” Bremer and her husband Clarence Bremer,a brother, JG Tunnell as well as her loving husband, “Bud” Eubanks.

Wilma is survived by her two daughters, Ruth Gross and her husband JR of Springfield MO, Donna Shiflett and her husband Joe of Springfield, MO, five grandchildren Amy Shepard and her husband Brad of Nixa, MO, Charley Gross of Springfield, MO, JJ Shiflett and his wife Brittany of Rogers, AR, Austin Shiflett and his wife Kelli of Jonesboro, AR, Mariah Partain and her husband Ronnie of Nixa, MO, four great-grandsons, Gracen Shepard, Kadyn Shepard, Braylen Shepard, Landry Shepard, one great-granddaughter, Lucy Shiflett, many treasured nieces and nephews, her Municipal Court “family” and a host of friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 2nd at Greenlawn South, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Wilma’s memorial service will be Wednesday, May 3rd at 11:00 am with interment at Hazelwood Cemetery immediately following the service.