Wilhelmina Parish Belcer died on January 12, 2024, in Bonifay, Florida. A woman loved by her family and community; she will be dearly missed. She was born on March 29, 1931, in Holmes County to Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Lillie Mae Wilcox. Upon graduating from Holmes County High School in 1948, she worked for local attorney Clyde Brown. In 1955, she married Wyatt Parish, and went on to help operate his family’s business, Bowen Hardware Company, and begin their own family. Upon being widowed in 1979, she married Roy Belcer of Opp, Alabama in 1983. After Mr. Belcer’s death, she moved back to Bonifay in 1997. Wilhelmina was an active member of her church and her community. She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Churches of Bonifay and Opp, singing in both sanctuary choirs. She also was involved in numerous community organizations, including the Bonifay Woman’s Club, Cemetery Committee, Bonifay Garden Club, and the Three Arts Club of Opp. An avid gardener, she found much enjoyment in flower arranging, and was a member and judge for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies.
She is preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wilcox, husbands Wyatt Parish and Roy Belcer, sister Fran Mayo. She is survived by her brother Thomas Wilcox Jr. of Headland, AL; her children, Wyatt Parish (Nora) of Bonifay, Bill Parish (Melody) of Bonifay, and Mira Christmas (Bruce) of Valrico, FL. Stepdaughters Lousia Belcer Baker (Cary) of Andalusia, AL and Leah Belcer Brewer (Davis) of Atlanta, GA. 11 beloved grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, January 15, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Bonifay. Interment will follow in the Bonifay Cemetery with Peel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 AM at First United Methodist Church.