Obituary of Bethel (Gingka) Louise Wourms

Bethel (Gingka) Wourms, passed away July 24, 2022. She was 92 years old. Gingka was born January 3, 1930 to James and Euphemia Smith in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan.

She married the love of her life, Arthur P. Wourms, Jr. in 1949. As a military wife, she was able to experience people and places most people only dream about. She truly had an amazing life.

Gingka is survived by daughters Debbie Groves, Pamela Self and Nanette Walters. She is also survived by six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, brother Thomas Smith and her dog Tinker.

She is predeceased by her husband Arthur P. Wourms, Jr., son Arthur P. Wourms III and daughter Mary B. Wourms, along with numerous other relatives.

Gingka is known for being an incredible mother and a wonderful homemaker. Gingka loved cooking for family and friends as well as singing, making cakes and candies, dancing in the kitchen, barbershop music and of course Christmas. Gingka loved life and believed that “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain”. She was a fantastic mother, a great friend and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She will be deeply and profoundly missed by all. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 11^th at 11am at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209. A burial will follow after at Greenlawn Memorial Park.