Wilma (Harrison) Doyle

Ms. Wilma Harrison Doyle, 76, of Greenwood, SC, widow of Mr. Richard G. Doyle, peacefully transitioned into eternal rest Monday, January 20, 2020 surrounded by family at Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, GA. She was born January 6, 1944 to the late Archie Harrison and Alma Traylor Harrison in McCormick, SC. 

Wilma demonstrated early leadership acumen, graduating from Mims High School as the honored Salutatorian for her Class. She later matriculated at Cheyney State College (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania), the first historically black institute (HBCU), where she received her BA Degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology in 1975, Master’s in Special Education in 1984 and Administrative Principal’s Degree in 1998. For thirty years, she was a Public School Teacher with the School District of Philadelphia.  During this time, she placed emphasis in teaching the mildly handicap as a Certified K-12 Special Education Teacher with the State of Pennsylvania.  After retiring from the Public School System of Philadelphia, Wilma relocated to Greenwood, SC, near her hometown of McCormick.

Wilma was known as a strong, dedicated, committed and faithful Christian worker. She devoted her life to God at an early age and joined Shiloh A.M.E. Church in McCormick.  Later during her years of living in Philadelphia, she became a member of Mt. Sinai Tabernacle Baptist Church of Philadelphia where she served faithfully for over 25 years.  Her unfailing service to the body of Christ included serving on the Deaconess Board, Celestial Choir as Recording Secretary for over five years, vacation Bible School Teacher, Chairperson for the Church’s 50th Anniversary and by serving as the Women’s Day, pulpit and search committee chairperson.

Wilma continued her Christian walk at Trinity United Methodist Church in Greenwood, SC, where she became a member in January 2008.  It is there that she continued to demonstrate her servant leadership by serving as the Secretary for UMW, Church Treasurer since 2013 and Choir Member.

Wilma was not only an active leader in the church, but also a leader in the community. She was a Certified Lay Speaker and Cluster Leader for District 1 Greenwood.  She enjoyed helping others and sharing ideas as well as serving on various boards. A few of Wilma’s professional, political and community affiliations were:  NAACP Lifetime Member Greenwood Chapter, Retired Teachers Association of South Carolina, Retired Teachers PFT Member, AARP Member and R.L. Stevens Member. She served 3 years as the President of the Carnation Garden Club, Herb Club Family Center Leader, Vice President of Woodhaven Home Association, and court appointed volunteer advocate for Guardian Ad Litem Foster Children Care Program.

Having the heart of a teacher, Wilma always found a way to impart some knowledge, whether it was sharing her opinions about life, discussing events in the community or providing some conventional wisdom. She imparted much of wisdom with her family and friends. She was one of ten children born to her parents. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Richard G. Doyle, whom she loved dearly; her brother, Lawrence “Larry” Harrison; and sister, Christine Harrison Cue.

Her legacy of love and service will forever be cherished in the hearts of her two step-children, Charmaine Doyle Horton and Gloria Odgen; four step grandchild , Caprice (Van), Derrick (Trina), Shawn (Trisha) and Andre Doyle; five step-great grands, Chelba, Martina, Michelin, Shawn and Stephon; six sisters, Artelia Wyatt of Detroit, MI, Mattie Luchey of N. Augusta, SC, Ruth Wiggleton of Sacramento, CA; Effie (Earl) Anderson of McCormick, SC, Ann Harrison of Sacramento, CA and Lillian (Samuel) Nails of East Orange, NJ; one brother, Calvin (Shirley) Harrison or Greenwood, SC; one aunt, Mamie Harrison of McCormick, SC; sister-in-laws, Thelma Doyle of New Hampshire and Rubye Harrison of Philadelphia, PA; a longtime friend, Frances Hamilton of Philadelphia, PA; and a host of adoring nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends.

Sacred arrangements have been entrusted to SERENITY-MURRAY MORTUARY.

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