Wilda Pappas of the Grace Brethren church in Columbus, Ohio, and matriarch of a family heavily involved in ministry around the world, has graduated to her eternal home and is in the presence of the Lord. Her son, Grace Brethren missionary to Germany John Pappas, was with her, and her son Thomas and his wife Kristine, currently living and ministering in Greece, arrived at the very time she passed.
Mrs. Pappas, whose 91st birthday was February 8, suffered a massive stroke last week and her health declined since that time.
Wilda Pappas was the oldest board member of Widow2Widow, a ministry founded and directed by her daughter-in-law, Kristine Pappas, who authored the BMH book Widow For a Season. On the widow2widow.net website Kristine described her mother-in-law this way:
“Wilda Pappas lost her husband in 2003 after a sudden heart-related problem. Wilda has five adult children, several of whom live in various countries around the world. She is active in her church and community and involved with missions, various prayer teams and Bible studies, and ministry to other widows.
“Wilda is a real prayer warrior and is the prayer team leader for Widow-to-Widow Ministries. Wilda loves wildlife and enjoys caring for her many flower beds in the summer and watching the birds and deer that frequent her yard year-round. She also enjoys handwork such as sewing, knitting, and crocheting.”
Obituary:
Wilda J. Pappas age 91, a long time resident of Worthington, died Thursday, February 12, 2009. She was a member of Grace Brethren Church where she mentored young women.
Her passions included gardening and music. She was also a wonderful cook. She is preceded in death by her husband Gus C. Pappas, brothers Dudley and Albert Briggs, sister Evelyn Schulz.
She is survived by children Paul Pappas, Margaret Anderson, Elizabeth ‘Kitty’ Pappas, John (Rebecca) Pappas, Tom (Kristine) Pappas, sister Charlotte (Willard) Wood, brothers Robert (Doris) Briggs, Tom (Betty) Briggs, sister-in-law Aline Briggs, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends Sunday from 5-8 PM at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 N. High St. (1/2 mile south of I-270) Funeral service will be Monday at 10:30 AM with calling an hour prior at Grace Brethren Church, 8225 Lazelle Rd. Family will observe burial on Tuesday at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Grace Brethren Church Missionary Support for the John Pappas Family, 6675 Worthington Galena Rd, Worthington, OH 43085.
Share your memories of Wilda online at www.schoedinger.com