Obituary of Wilma Lee Uswa

Wilma Lee Uswa, loving mother and beloved wife, passed away on May 26, 2023 after a long and full life of 87 years…9 beautiful years beyond the normal life expectancy of an average female. Wilma passed away in her home in Columbia, SC surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren. She was very much loved and will be missed terribly.

Wilma was born on August 26, 1935 in Owensboro, KY to her parents, the late Remus Round Watts and Catherine Ulinee Watts. Some years later, Andrew T. Uswa met Wilma while she was working in a diner in Owensboro, and he decided that he had to marry her…and he did just that on June 12, 1952. Together they enjoyed 71 fulfilling years of marriage, and Wilma happily devoted her youth to raising their 4 children.

Wilma is survived by her husband, Andrew T. Uswa. She also leaves behind her 4 children, Debra U. Watson (James), Rebecca K. Goodwin (Gary), Michael A. Uswa (Wanda), Jennifer L. Uswa; 9 grandchildren, Courtney, Trace, Brett, Tara, James, Brandon, Anna, Katie, Jody; 9 great-grandchildren; and 4 siblings. Wilma was predeceased by her parents, 5 siblings, and 1 grandson, Shawn.

There will be a visitation/viewing on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 6 – 8PM at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Columbia, SC. And Wilma’s funeral services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Columbia, SC on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 2PM, with a gravesite burial immediately following at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Wilma’s favorite charities, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in her memory.

Wilma was a beautiful woman inside and out. She cared so deeply for the people around her, and she made a positive impact on so many lives, including her 4 children that she was a Nanny and “Nana” to throughout the years. She will be forever missed. Until we meet again.