Wilma Gulley Blake, 87, passed away on April 27, 2021, in Raleigh. She served as the Upper School secretary at Ravenscroft in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Kent Parks ’81 remembered, “She always had a smile and friendly word and, as I recall, she seemed to know every student in Upper School by name.”

Wilma was born in Wake County and grew up on her family farm and around her father’s country store in Garner. In addition to her years of service at Ravenscroft, she also worked for the State of North Carolina.

In her obituary, the family remembered Wilma as a “loving, caring and kind person who did everything she could for others. She could talk to any and all walks of life and become fast friends. Wilma was a loving ‘Mimi’ to her grandchildren, an active member of her church, and an all around enthusiastic presence to those she loved. Her beauty, charm, grace and great Southern cooking will never be forgotten.”

In addition to her parents and husband, Jim, Wilma was preceded in death by her grandson, Blake Michael Pearce, and her sister, Dora Gulley Bryan. She is survived by her daughter, Jana Galvan, Jana’s husband, Phillip Galvan, and her granddaughter, Alexandra Hope Pearce; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family held a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 2. Memorial information is available here.