Wilma M. Roundtree

~In Loving Memory~

Obituary of Mother Wilma Jean Roundtree

~Sunrise: March 3, 1946 Sunset: February 15, 2025~

Home Coming Service: Friday, March 7, 2025

Beautiful Beginnings. On March 3, 1946, in Boley, Oklahoma, Isaiah and Matilda Renfroe welcomed a beautiful baby girl full of promise and potential. That bouncing baby, Wilma Jean, was the third child of the family’s seven children.

Excellence in Academia. Wilma Jean experienced tremendous successes throughout elementary and middle school and attended Boley High School in Boley, Oklahoma, where her star shined brightly! She excelled in her studies and was voted class Valedictorian when she graduated in 1964. Wilma Jean matriculated to Langston University, an HBCU in Langston, Oklahoma, where she was awarded a scholarship because of her high scholastic achievements. There, Wilma Jean thrived and continued to excel—she was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Residence Hall Officer at Candy Hall. She graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Biology..

Faith and Relationship with God. As a child, Wilma Jean’s life revolved around faith in God. Her family attended The COGIC church in Boley, Oklahoma, where she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ at 16 years old. For 36 years, Wilma Jean was a devoted member of the Greater Wayside Community Temple Church of God in Christ in Denver, Colorado, under the leadership of the late Superintendent Charles E. Scurles and afterwards under the leadership of Pastor Brian K. Jenkins. She served as a member of the Mothers Board for one year, the Overcomers for ten years, and was the Founder and President of the Youth Orchestra for 35 years. Wilma Jean lived a life that honored God and reflected gratitude, and she lived out her faith in service to others. A true ambassador of Jesus Christ, Wilma Jean touched many lives and was an example of godliness and holiness.

Love, Marriage, and Family. After completing her studies at Langston University, Wilma Jean returned to Boley, Oklahoma, where she caught the attention of Robert Stanley McDaniel, Sr. Robert was told by a friend that there was a woman who wore invisible makeup, and he knew he had to meet her! Wilma Jean’s skin was so beautiful that she did not need makeup! A serious, loving relationship developed, and they were married on October 24, 1968. To this blessed union ten children were born: Stephanie, Lisa, Robert, Rosalyn, Carlene, Robin, Roland, Roshawn, Rachel, and Raydale.

Greatest Joy. Wilma Jean’s beautiful children were her greatest joy in life, and she was their biggest cheerleader! She had an uncanny ability of ensuring that each child felt special and singled out by her love. As a single parent for many years, Wilma Jean gave the best of herself to her children and to their development. When she perceived certain gifts in her children, she advocated on their behalf to ensure they received the proper training to nurture and grow their skills, and she enthusiastically supported their dreams and life goals. A lifelong proponent of higher education, Wilma Jean encouraged her children to go to college. Many of her children have earned associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees in business management, Healthcare Administration, Nursing, and Computer Information Systems, to name a few. She was an exceptional, dedicated, and affectionate mother who taught her children the practical things of life and encouraged them to fly high. But her greatest gift to them was introducing them to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Love’s Second Chance. Wilma Jean was blessed by God to experience love a second time when she met Marvin Roundtree. Their love blossomed and they were married on January 21, 2001, in Aurora, Colorado. For 24 years, Marvin was a loving, protective, and faithful husband. He was by her side to comfort her even as she took her last breath.

Exemplary Career. Wilma Jean’s educational successes translated into the important work that she did in academia as an educator for the Oklahoma School District Public Schools. In Aurora, Colorado, Wilma Jean taught Science and Chemistry at a private school, Traditional School of Basics (two of her children and her older grandchildren attended TSOB). Wilma Jean demonstrated excellence, brilliance, and distinction throughout her entire career.

Gifted Musician. Wilma Jean loved music, and she loved teaching music. Her goal was to share her God-given gifts to uplift and edify others. She was a passionate and accomplished pianist and saxophone player. Her love of music has been passed down to her children who are esteemed musicians in their own right. Her favorite songs of faith were “I Love the Lord” and “Total Praise,” and her favorite classical instrumental was “Canon in D.”

Personality. Beautiful inside and outside, Wilma Jean genuinely exhibited unconditional love for her children and her family and friends. Although quiet, Wilma Jean was a powerful force who earned the respect of those she crossed paths with. She was the epitome of a gracious, devout, and godly woman, and was a true ambassador of Jesus Christ. Wilma Jean was an incredible storyteller! Her children remember listening intently and feeling as though they were a part of each narrative because of her vivid and dramatic storytelling! Food is an essential part of a personality and Wilma Jean loved her pizza and chicken!

Character. Wilma Jean’s character consisted of faithfulness to God coupled with compassion and kindness. Wilma Jean was always gentle but firm, dignified but resolute, and tenacious but understanding, always persevering in her personal life and in the work of God. Her ability to teach others combined with her God-given commitment to fairness and integrity were ingrained in her Biblical Worldview and life philosophy. Wilma Jean cared about humanity and was generous with sharing what she had to meet the needs of others. Truly, she lived the life she talked about with a deep conviction.

Heavenly Departure. Peacefully surrounded by her husband and children on February 15, 2025, God, in His infinite wisdom and immeasurable mercy, called Mother Wilma Jean Roundtree from this life to her eternal home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Death cannot steal her precious memories or her profound and lasting influence in our lives! We will forever remember the tremendous joy she brought and celebrate the legacy of her children and her children’s children. In this, we humbly submit to the will of God.

“Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

Matthew 25:21 KJV