Wilma was born on May 21, 1933, to Union T. Lester and Marie Miles Lester. She was raised in the Cliffwood area and completed her education at Matawan High School.
She worked in the medical field and provided care for elderly individuals. In 2009, she retired at age 76 from Family and Children Services.
Wilma embraced her faith early in life. As a longtime member of Wicker Memorial Baptist Church, she sang in the VIP Choir and directed the Ushers’ ministry. She also sang with the Monmouth and Adjacent County Mass Choir. In her free time, Wilma enjoyed power walking and regularly participated in the Cancer Walk-A-Thon.
She was predeceased by her parents, Marie and Union T. Lester; siblings Emma Lester, Edna Anthony, Tessie Evans, Marie Wright, Mary Nicholson, Juanita Lester, Caresa Lester, Eugene Lester, Rev. Joseph Lester, Samuel Lester; and two children, Thomas Lester and Rosie Lester.
She is survived by her husband, James Hughes; children Gerald Thompson, Fred Thompson (Kelly), Freida Thompson (Mona), Marian Guthridge (Melvin), Larry Cummings, Ivan Cummings, and Rev. Ida Duncan; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
