Wilma Jean Couch Roberts

Wilma Jean Couch Roberts, a beloved member of the community known for her open-mindedness and dedication to serving others, passed away at the  Wells Hospice  in Hazard, KY. on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at the age of 71. She was born November 21, 1952 in Thousandsticks, KY to her parents Bige Couch, Jr. and Bessie Jones Couch, Jr., and is now reunited with them in eternal peace.  Wilma was also preceded in death by her cherished brother Elbert Wayne Couch, beloved brothers-in-law Dana Fugate and Jonathan Roberts, as well as her special friend Janice Sizemore.

 Wilma's life was marked by a commitment to education, having worked as a school teacher for 27 years at Stinnett Elementary after graduating from Lees Junior College and received her Bachelor's Degree from Cumberland College and later obtained her Masters Degree and Rank One in education from Eastern Kentucky University. She was honored as the homecoming Queen at Lees Junior College. Her parents impressed upon her the importance and value of hard work and obtaining an education throughout her lifetime. Wilma was well respected by her co-workers and students for her genuine concern of the welfare of each student.  Wilma's was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel and was a member of the Leslie County Homemakers Club. Wilma was a devoted member of the Thousandsticks United Methodist Church and also attended the Stinnett Gap Church of God. Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life and influenced her family members greatly.

In addition to her passion for education, Wilma found joy in various hobbies and interests such as quilting, gardening, fishing, going to the lake, searching for antiques, and attending bluegrass festivals – especially when her grandson Tanner was performing. She was also a dedicated member of the Veteran Auxiliary Post in Hazard, KY, volunteering at the Veterans Center Nursing home in Hazard, KY & Hyden Health Care and Rehab. She was also a member of the Thousandsticks Volunteer Fire Department.

Wilma leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness cherished by her surviving family members: her loving husband William Hoy Roberts whom she was united in marraige on March 30, 1973,  devoted son Billy Collett & wife Melissa of Hyden, KY; cherished daughters Dr. Kimberly Roberts & Dr. Vincent Blanch of Nicholasville, KY, Tonya Nichole Roberts Gay & husband Darrin of Booneville, KY; loving sisters Janet Fugate of Hazard, KY and Deborah & Dale Barger of Louisville, KY; treasured grandchildren Tanner Horton & Johnnie Lynn of Hyden, KY.,  Kaley Horton Shupe & Hunter of Duffield, VA;  Wyatt Gay , Preslee Gay , Matthew Collett, Andrew Collett, Aaron Collett,Michael Blanch; and great-grandson, Augustus "Gus' Horton.

Services to honor and remember Wilma's life will be held at the Dwayne Walker Funeral Home in Hyden with visitation scheduled on Wednesday,  March 27th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM followed by the funeral service on Thursday, March 28th starting at 1:00 PM.with Rev. Geoffery Roberts & Rev. Robert Amundsen officiating, Wilma Jean Couch Roberts will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her unwavering love for others and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those around her. The Interment will take place at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Southeast at Hyden, KY with the following serving as pallbearers,Tanner Horton, Hunter Shupe, Billy Collett, Darrin Gay, Vincent Blanch, Chris Barger, Tim Couch, and Greg Couch, Greg Couch II, honorary pallbearers are, Wyatt Gay, Dawson Browning, Matthew Collett, Andrew Collett, and Aaron Collett.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Leslie County Homemaker Club, C/O P.O. Box 187, Hyden, KY 41749. The club members plan to use these proceeds to make Lap Quilts for the residents of the nursing home.