Wilma Maxey Kneisly

Wilma Claudine Reeves Maxey Kneisly, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior at North Mississippi Medical Center on October 7, 2022, with her daughter, Debbie, by her side.  Wilma was born in Saltillo, MS, on November 23, 1936, the only child of Claude and Nora Jane Brooks Reeves.  She married Gillie Bernard Maxey on December 3, 1954, and they made their home in Starkville along with their children, Wayne and Debbie. Wilma was a homemaker for many years and later served as transportation secretary at Gulf States Manufacturers. They were members of Meadowview Baptist Church in Starkville.

Her husband, Gillie, passed away in 1979. Wilma later relocated to Tupelo where she was employed by McRae’s Department Store. In 2004, she married Ralph Kneisly of Tupelo. Wilma and Ralph faithfully provided financial support and dedicated many hours of volunteer service to Dr. Tannehill’s Good Samaritan Free Medical Clinic. They were members of Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo. In recent years, Wilma attended Faith Baptist Church in Saltillo.

Wilma had a warm personality, a genuine interest in others, and an unbreakable devotion to her faith.  She loved to cook and spend time with her friends, family, and grandchildren. She was a big fan of Mississippi State University sports and enjoyed watching the golf channel. She also liked reminiscing and sharing her memories of attending Lawhorn Elementary School with Elvis Presley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gillie Maxey in 1979 and husband Ralph Kneisly in 2009. She is survived by son, Wayne Maxey (Pamela) of Bonita, CA,; daughter, Debbie Maxey Arrington of Little Rock, AR,; grandson, Kyle Maxey (Yesenia) of Bonita, CA; granddaughter, Chelsea Maxey O’Dowd (Walter) of Royal Oaks, MD; grandson, Jackson Arrington of Little Rock, AR, and great-grandchildren, Beila, Nathaniel, and Tyler.  She also leaves her lifelong friend, Morine Rice of Saltillo and numerous wonderful extended family members and friends who were a great comfort to her.
Visitation will be at 12:00 noon Monday, October 10, at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo with funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at the funeral home with Brother Phil Ellis of Faith Baptist Church, Saltillo officiating.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Gillie in Young Memorial Gardens in Smithville, MS.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jackson Arrington, Tim Davis, Kyle Maxey, Sidney Maxey, Zach Pitts, James Reeves, Bob Rice, Donny Woodridge, and Walter O’Dowd.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn. 38105. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net