Wilma Kate Patterson Tallant

Wilma Kate Patterson Tallant, known by many as “Miss Wilma” and by family as “Mamaw,” passed away peacefully in the early morning of October 7, 2025, at the age of 98, in Pensacola, Florida.

Wilma and her husband Harold both grew up in rural Toccopola, Mississippi, where she graduated from high school. After their marriage, Wilma and Harold moved to Memphis, and later to Selma, Alabama, where Harold was employed by Alabama Metallurgical until his retirement. In Memphis, Wilma worked as an EKG technician at St. Joseph Hospital; later in Selma, she worked at the historic Albert Hotel, finally retiring from Sears.

To her family, Mamaw was a force of nature: outspoken, generous, no-nonsense and a beautiful example of how to live an authentic, meaningful, worthwhile life. She always said what she meant, and somehow, no one took offense when she was bluntly honest.

Wilma was one of the oldest active members of Elkdale Baptist Church (for 60 years), and a long-time member of Selma Garden Club and the Red Hat Society. Over the years, Wilma’s hobbies included playing Train and Dominoes with friends, gardening, crocheting, quilting, sewing, and assisting with Meals on Wheels. 

Wilma outlived her beloved husband of 62 years, Harold Dean Tallant, and her son, Anthony Fielding Tallant. She is survived by her daughter, Peggy Tallant Jerden (Terry), her son H. Dwight Tallant (Ann), her daughter Colette Tallant; grandchildren, Jeffrey P. Jerden, Elizabeth E. Jerden, Katherine T. Roberts (Brandon), Margaret T. Casey (Steve); and great-grandchildren Charlotte Roberts, Addison Roberts, Samuel Casey, Emma Casey, and Colton Casey. Lively and uproarious stories about her will long outlive her. 

A Celebration of Life honoring Wilma will be held in the fellowship hall at Elkdale Baptist Church on Saturday, October 18, at 2:00 p.m., following family visitation at 1:00 with Rev. Guy Anderson officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing.

Any donations to honor Wilma’s life may be made to Elkdale Baptist Church.