WILDA LEE GUM JOSEPH, age 87 years, a resident of Elkins, WV was taken by our Lord, departing this life with her family by her side on Friday morning March 8, 2013.
She was born Thursday, October 15, 1925 at Elkins, WV a daughter of the late Ralph Leon and Xanna Curtis Gum. On March 28, 1948 she was married to Paul James Joseph, who preceded her in death on August 17, 2010. They had celebrated sixty-two years of marriage. Surviving are three daughters, Sharon J. Joseph, Patricia C. Joseph, and Marian E. Joseph, and one son, Mark P. Joseph. Also surviving is one sister, Hilda Gum Wheeler and husband James, several nieces and nephews and family friend Carla Hess.
Preceding her in death are three brothers, Paul, Harry, and Filcer Gum; and one sister, Wanda Gum Cunningham.
She was a graduate of Elkins High School with the Class of 1943. Upon her graduation, she relocated to Washington DC to join the World War II effort by serving in the War Department and as a congressional aid for the U.S. House of Representatives. She later returned to Elkins where she worked as an executive assistant at the Elkins Builders Supply Company. She was a faithful wife and a loving Mother who enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, traveling, and reading. Her smile and kindness touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. She possessed exceptional strength and fortitude even in the most trying times. Mrs. Joseph was a member of the Saint Brendan Catholic Church.
The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 5 to 8 PM, Monday. On Monday at 7 PM, at the funeral home, a prayer service will be recited by the Rev. Mr. Raymond G. Godwin. On Tuesday, March 12, 2013, Mrs. Joseph will be moved to the Saint Brendan Catholic Church where the Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM. The Very Rev. Donald X. Higgs, VF will be the Presider and interment will follow at the Elkins Memorial Gardens on the Airport Road.
