Wilma Jean Tomlinson Birmingham

Wilma Jean Tomlinson Birmingham, a beloved matriarch and cherished soul, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family and friends. Born on September 5, 1939, in Merced, California, Wilma was the cherished daughter of Lewis and Edith Tomlinson. She was the seventh of nine siblings and shared a lifelong, close-knit bond with her family. Wilma's journey through life was one of love, faith, and creativity. She married Jack Ray Birmingham on September 6, 1957, in Fallon, Nevada. Their union, marked by deep affection and commitment, spanned 55 wonderful years until Jack’s passing in 2012. Together, they built a nurturing home, first for their four children—Delbert, Jacky Dale, Connie Jean, and Steven Lee—and later, for their ten grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. Wilma’s life was a tapestry of devotion to her family and community. She was a working mother, demonstrating resilience and diligence at Sharpe's Army Depot in Lathrop, California. Later, she worked as a bank courier, where an unfortunate accident curtailed her professional career. Nevertheless, Wilma's true vocation was found in her role as the heart of her family. Her home was always a place of welcome and warmth, where she embraced her children’s spouses, supported her siblings, and cared for her aging parents. In her leisure, Wilma indulged in a variety of creative pursuits. From her early days of "chembroidery" to painting ceramics and crafting Christmas gifts, her hands were rarely idle. She had the remarkable ability to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary keepsakes. Her love for crocheting was evident in the seven full-size blankets she completed one year, each stitch woven with love and care. Wilma was also a gifted cook, known for her southern dishes and her legendary fried chicken. Her kitchen was a place of joy and comfort, filled with the aroma of homemade meals and treats, lovingly prepared for her family. Her grandchildren fondly remember the delightful teddy bear cakes she made for their first birthdays and the gallons of fresh milk churned into butter. A woman of faith, Wilma was raised as a Southern Baptist Christian. She embraced her spirituality throughout her life, introducing her children to Jesus and attending church with family whenever possible. Her faith provided her with strength and comfort, especially in her later years. After Jack’s passing, Wilma lived with her daughter Connie and her husband Mike for several years, delighting in the hustle and bustle of family life. As her health declined, she moved to English Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Modesto, where she was cherished by staff and residents alike for her sassiness and sweet nature. Wilma is predeceased by her beloved husband Jack, her parents, and six siblings: Bob Tomlinson, Billy Tomlinson, Patricia (Tootsie) Riling, Helen Bryan, Monty Tomlinson, and Nina Faye Nelson. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, Delbert, Jack, Connie, and Steve, as well as her ten grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren, who will continue to carry her spirit forward. A celebration of Wilma's life will be held on December 12, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in her memory. The Birmingham family extends their gratitude to the staff at English Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Hospice for their compassionate care. They also thank the church for the use of their chapel for Wilma's celebration of life. Though her presence will be profoundly missed, Wilma’s family finds solace in the promise of reunion in the afterlife. As Scripture reminds us, "My Father's house has many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you... that you also may be where I am." John 14:2-3.