Sammie Louise Robinson Wilder

Sammie Louise Robinson Wilder was born in Birmingham, AL on July 24, 1928, to the late Samuel Craven Robinson and Willie Belle Steed Robinson. She was raised and attended school in Bowden, GA and the Riverside section of Jacksonville, FL. Her undergraduate work was at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. Afterwards, she was employed in Jacksonville FL, Atlanta GA and in New Jersey. In her adult years, she lived in and enjoyed: Atlanta GA, New Jersey, Anchorage AK, Jackson MS and Birmingham AL. She passed on to glory in her 96th year in Lynchburg VA on Monday, February 17, 2025.

Sammie was active in the Methodist church where she came to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ and developed a commitment to serve him. She imparted that faith to her family and many people in need, particularly to young families as well as older women. In church, she developed her musical talent by using her beautiful soprano voice. For years, she filled her home and shared her faith with praise music as well as performing in several traveling choirs. Sammie gave up her working career when her first child was born, in favor of becoming a stay at home mom. Her children, husband, extended family and friends benefitted from that decision.

Sammie married John Wilder on November 21, 1955. Theirs was an enduring love for almost seventy years. Together they were blessed with three children. Susan Wilder Zajac (Bert), David Wilder (Cathy) and Paul Wilder.

Over time they were also blessed with 10 grandchildren. Susan’s children: Michael Zajac (Amanda), Sarah Zajac Comfort (Cort) and Matthew Zajac; David’s children: Johnny Wilder (Sarah), Marshall Wilder (who preceded Sammie to glory), Shelby Wilder and Samuel Wilder, and Paul’s children: Daniel Wilder, Rebekah Wilder Black (Parker) and Joshua Wilder.

Subsequently they have been blessed again by the birth of 4 great grandchildren. Isla and Kit Comfort and Charlie Rae and Billy Wilder as well as a new great grandson, Archer Zajac, who is due mid-June. These children were Sammie's greatest joy in life.

Sammie lived much of her life with arthritis and other illnesses, but disease did not define her. Though illness did progressively limit her, she fully embraced life daily and continued to function as much as possible. Her spirit never wavered, and she never failed to proclaim her faith and praise for the Lord. For many years, she maintained the role of a strong partner, mom and friend. Only in the later years was she unable to fully perform those roles. While Sammie could not speak nor move, her eyes, expression and smile spoke volumes.

Everyone who knew Sammie loved her and will miss her greatly. There is comfort in remembering an abundant life, wonderful personality, beautiful smile and joyous laughter. She was a wonderful wife, mom and friend. She faced adversity with grace and a loving heart. The family is thankful that she is now free of her physical limitations and able to again sing and praise her Lord for all eternity.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family extends our sincere thanks to Sammie’s wonderful caregivers and support people: Tama Howell, Emmanuel (Mel) Bautista as well as the CNA’s and others at Centra Hospice. A special thank you to Donna Irvine, Scherrie, Tina, Janice and Patsy for the loving care they provided. A special thank you to those at Peakland UMC who have so faithfully prayed for and stayed in contact with our family.

A celebration of Sammie’s life will be held at Peakland United Methodist Church, Lynchburg, VA, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.