WILMA J. (BUCHANON) CEPHUS

Aug. 15, 1927 - Mar. 27, 2012
SOUTH BEND - Wilma Jean (Buchanon) Cephus, 84, a resident of Rue Bossouet Paux, South Bend, Indiana passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at Sanctuary at Holy Cross Nursing Facility. Wilma Jean was born on August 15, 1927 in South Bend, Indiana to Allen and Cora Buchanon.

She received her education in the South Bend Community School Corporation, graduating from Central High School. She also attended Business College.

Wilma Jean and Emory Hayes Cephus were married in 1951. He preceded her in death on May 5, 2008.

For thirty years she was employed as a Social Worker for the Department of Family and Children's Services. In addition she was a volunteer at Perley Elementary School as a Student Aide. Mrs. Cephus was a member of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Among her favorite hobbies were watching movies, DVDs, listening to gospel music, spending time with her family and reading her Bible.

Family members who survive include one daughter, Valerie Cephus of South Bend; two sons, Dennis Cephus of South Bend and Julian "Tony' Cephus of Mishawaka, IN; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Christine Page of South Bend and Sarah Dixon of Pontiac, MI; close friends, Betty Jackson and Jackie; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Cora Buchanon; her husband, Emory; one son, John Cephus; and brothers, George Buchanon, Howard Buchanon Sr., Tom Buchanon, Clyde Wigfall, Robert Wigfall and Arthur Buchanon.

Funeral services for Mrs. Cephus will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, April 2, 2012 at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Andre McGhee officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where messages of condolence may be emailed to alfordsmortuary@att.net c/o The Cephus Family.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Mar. 30, 2012.

01/11/2023 EJS