Wilda McClain Anthony was born on December 22, 1937 to the union of the late Agnes Magee McClain and Vergie Bell McClain of Franklinton, La; which was also where she grew up and attended school. Wilda departed this life on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 9:24pm. She died  peacefully in her home and surrounded by her loving children.  Wilda was married to the love of her life, the   late Willie Anthony for 67 years. To their union, they had 6 daughters; Betty Robinson ( deceased) (Bonnie Ray deceased) of Franklinton, Sandranett Whitaker ( Ervin) of Georgia,  Wilda Cooley ( Charles) of Marrero, la., Barbara Williams ( Donny) of Harvey, la., Patricia Jiles of Marrero, la., Corinthia Files ( James) of Georgia and 3 sons; Willie Anthony Jr. of Texas, Lionel Anthony of New Orleans and Michael Kevin Anthony ( deceased). They had 17 grandchildren with 1 deceased grandson ( Lil Willie) and 3 great grandchildren. She was a devoted wife and loving mother to her family. She was always concerned and devoted to praying for her children. When she got out of the hospital from recovering from Covid , her main thoughts were  that she had to get home to see about her children. We would try to remind  her that all her children were all grown up now and living their lives,  but she would still ask, " Where is my baby?" She was a Homemaker and sometimes did some Domestic work outside of her home.

She gave her life to Christ as a young woman and was very devoted to serving the Lord and her church. She had a voice out of this world and dedicated herself to singing for the Lord. She and her husband moved to New Orleans, la., where they joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under the leadership of the late  Rev.  A.J. Meyers of whom;  she, her husband and all their children were baptized in this ministry. She and her husband both served with much devotion in this ministry for over 60 years. She loved her church and her church family. She started out on the usher board and then the choir. She was known as the " Singing Usher." She worked diligently with many axillaries in the church and with many fundraisers for the church.

She also served on the deaconess board until she became ill and could no longer attend church.  She was an excellent cook and could make pies that melted in your mouth. Many members use to come to her home  after church,  just to get some of her delicious  pies.  She would always make sure that  she cooked enough for them and her family, because the children would be concerned about their Sunday deserts getting ate up.  She also served under the pastoral  leadership of the late  Pastor W. Neal, Pastor Donald Robinson, Jr., Pastor Albert Stewart and presently, Pastor Cyril Grayson Sr. She served  in ministry many  years with Sister A. Bridges of Gaza Missionary Baptist Church( The Bridegroom Cometh); where they ministered to many  different churches in songs, also teaching, and preaching of  the Word of God.  After the devastation  of Hurricane Katrina;  she and her husband along with several other devoted members formed the Nehemiah Committee and  fought very hard to get this ministry back up and running. Through much prayer, extremely hard work,  and much dedication, they succeeded!!

She was proceeded in death by her  parents, husband, daughter, son , brothers: ( Hayward, Stanley, John Dee, Sylvester, Robert and Jabus McClain) and her sister Marion McClain Anthony.  She leaves to mourn her children, grand and great children, her sister Burnell McClain of Franklinton, la., 4 sister in laws Mary Partman, Jeanette Hart, Lula Mae  and Ernestine McClain,  all of Franklinton, La.,  and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to give thanks and gratitude to all  our caring sitters, Ms. Charlotte,  Leonita,  Ms.  Brenda, Sherrie,  Amoni and Payne's Sitting service; who helped us to care for our Mom. The caring staff of Louisiana Hospice and Specialty: Nurse Adam,   nurse aide Ms. Cynthia and the Chaplain; Rev. Edwin Scott for his endlessly visiting and praying with our mom.  Also Sister Mary Johnson and  Sister Geraldine Warren, who both helped in many ways with service. We also give special thanks to Cook-Richmond Funeral Home for all their beautiful service and to our beloved Mt. Moriah Baptist Church family, and Pastor Cyril Grayson Sr. Also our  Dad's nephew; Pastor Cedric Wilson, Sr., of Jerusalem Church of God in Christ for officiating and to all our family and many friends who reached out in prayers, love, and in all means and ways. Thank you all!!

To our beautiful Mother! You will be  truly missed by all and especially your children and grandchildren, but we know you were tired and it was time for you to take your rest! We love you so dearly and one day, in that great getting up morning, we shall all meet again!! Rest on peacefully Mom! We love you!!!