Wilma Mccloud

Wilma Jean Abercrombie was born May 1, 1929, in McGregor, Texas, to George Washington Abercrombie, Sr. and Josephine (Westbrook) Abercrombie. She was the youngest of 14 children. As a child, she was a standout student who loved school and was very upset when she received a grade less than an "A". She attended A. J. Moore High School, and graduated in 1946, at the age of 17. After high school, she attended Tillotson College in Austin, Texas and later transferred to the University of Denver where she received a Bachelor's of Arts in June, 1962. Later, she went on to receive a Master's degree in Education from the University of Northern Colorado. While attending Tillotson College in Austin, Texas, Wilma married Horace Nathaniel Coleman and gave birth to her daughters: Billy Sue Coleman, born in August, 1948 and Patricia Denise Coleman, born January, 1951. In 1954 Wilma and the girls relocated to Denver, Colorado where, sadly, her marriage to Horace ended in divorce, and she eventually met and married Burnis McCloud, Jr., and from that union came her son Duncan Bernard McCloud in January, 1966. Her sister Ruth Anderson had moved there a few years earlier, and she and Ruth became inseparable, not only as sisters, but best friends. Both Ruth and Wilma were full of life and could often be found playing scrabble or wandering through a shopping mall searching for bargains. They often enjoyed painting and arts & crafts. Wilma was known as a strong but loving matriarch to all of her children and grandchildren. As a single mother to her daughters she set the example for what they could achieve through hard work and perseverance. She always gave wise counsel and encouraged them to be all that they could be. Wilma's great-grandson, Tairee, lovingly referred to her as, "Our Superhero!" Wilma was a natural born educator and she taught in the classroom as well as outside of the classroom. She taught her own children and grandchildren, and she taught other people's children, as well. She taught Sunday school and wherever she had an opportunity to share knowledge. This natural aptitude for teaching led to a 29-year career in Denver Public Schools. She was known as a firm-but-fair teacher who was a role model to all her students. Many will remember her big afros and dashikis. She retired from DPS in 1991, but continued to substitute teach and volunteered in the classroom at Smith Elementary, a school where she had once taught. Wilma was an active member of Zion Baptist Church from the time she relocated to Denver in 1954 until failing health made it impractical. She served in many capacities. She ushered, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, was a member of the health ministry, and belonged to the Ruth Mission Circle. Additionally, she served on the scholarship committee for many years. Wilma was somewhat of a Denver socialite and participated as a model in a number of fashion shows. Her tall (5'11") statuesque form and overall beauty was striking. She was a member of Iota Phi Lambda (African American Business and professional Women's Sorority) and a Delta Mother. She enjoyed traveling both abroad and throughout the United States and rarely passed up an opportunity when an offer was extended. She had a servant's heart and spent many years volunteering at the Zion Senior Center and with Black Health Initiatives. Wilma loved the Lord and was a student of the Word; she was not only a hearer but a doer also. Wilma's memory will be cherished by the family she leaves behind including: Her sister, Mildred Irene Abercrombie of McGregor, TX; her children Patricia Dendy (John) of Greenville, SC and Duncan McCloud (Gina) of Aurora, CO; her grandchildren Danyelle Charles (Walt), Randy Taylor (Liz), Mitchell Sharp, Makenzie McCloud, and Marissa McCloud; her great-grand-sons: Tahj Dillard-Watkins and Tairee Dillard; her great-great-grand son Jayce Dillard-Watkins and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 1/30/2017 at 4:00 PM Zion Solace Dinner during visitation Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 1/31/2017 at 11:00 AM - Zion Baptist Church - 933 East 24th Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 1/31/2017 - Immediately following the Service. Fairmount Cemetery - 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO