Maggie L. Wilder n.e. Walker was the youngest of seven children born to the late John B. and Bessie (Blakely) Walker on October 3, 1942. She accepted Christ at an early age and showed her love for the Lord with her compassion for helping others, providing meals for the homeless and being a listening ear for all those who needed it. She truly believed when the word says, " love your God with your whole heart, mind and soul." Mark 12: 30-31. As a young girl, her family moved to Chattahoochee, Florida where she graduated from Carter Parramore High School in 1960. After graduation, she married the late Phillip Bellamy, and from this union, two children were born: Dewayne and Wanda. To make a better life for her children, Maggie decided to divorce and relocate to Tallahassee, Florida to pursue a nursing degree from Florida A&M University. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Charlton County, Georgia, where she met and united in holy matrimony with the late Leroy Wilder. From this union, three children were born: Derrick, Deshunda and Tamika. Soon after marriage, they moved to Jacksonville, Florida before employment and relocated the family to Chicago, Illinois. For over 40 years, she dedicated her life in caring for others through her Registered Nursing career at various hospitals, including Jacksonville General in Florida, Michael Reese in Chicago, Illinois, Aetna Healthcare, and Home Health of Chicago, before falling ill to various health issues. In the mid-80's, Mother Wilder and her family moved to Hammond and joined New Community Baptist Church Family. She was an extraordinary woman with a big heart for other people. She was an avid reader of God's word, loved fill-in puzzles, and loved her New Community Church Family. She was a faithful servant and worked diligently with the Mother's Board, Deaconess Board, Missionary Board, Soup Kitchen and sang in the choir for a short time. She always spoke her mind, telling the truth, but did it with love and compassion. She was the realest of the real with all who knew and loved her. She had many surrogate children and grandchildren. All were her "Sugar Babies." Mother Wilder was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 51 years, Leroy Wilder; two children, Derrick T. Walker and Wanda Walker; four brothers, Alto McKevlie, Dave McKevlie, Thomas James Walker, and Authur Lee Walker; and sister, Ida Bell Walker. She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Dewayne Lamar Bellamy; daughters, Deshunda (Timothy) Smith and Tamika Wilder; grand (daughter) , Malikia Wilder; sister, Zola Owens; grandchildren: Carolina Walker, Joseph Reeves, Tony Wilder, Derrick Walker, Jr., Rayvon Reeves, Timothy Grant, Justice Grant, Talisha (Deterin) Smith, Te'Shawn James, Brandon Bellamy, Timothy Smith, II, and Trista Smith; honorary daughter, Reshunda Jordan; honorary granddaughter, Tahi Johnson; 20 great-grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and other loved ones. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Visitation will be open to the public with no gathering or fellowshipping allowed. Homegoing Services for Mother Wilder will be private
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