Wilda Loftin Buckley went home to be with her Savior on June 10, 2018. Visitation will be held at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton on Tuesday, June 12, from 5-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Clinton, on Wednesday, June 13, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at the church one hour before the service. The burial will be in Lakewood Memorial Park.

Wilda was the daughter of Guy and Oretus Fortenberry Loftin. She was born January 5, 1930, in the Hub community in Marion County. She graduated from Hub High School and went on to play basketball at Pearl River Community College. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in home economics. She furthered her studies in early childhood education at USM and Mississippi College.

Before she married, Wilda taught at Pinola High School and the State Training School in Columbia, Mississippi. In 1954 she married Ralph Buckley, and they moved to Canton where she served as the Madison County 4-H Youth Agent. After moving to Clinton in 1962, Wilda began a 30-year career at First Baptist Church where she served as preschool and kindergarten director. She retired in 1992 but continued to serve her church and community while devoting herself to her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Wilda was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ralph, her parents, and one brother. She is survived by her children, Reta Buckley Haire and husband, Mark, of Brandon, Kathy Buckley of Clinton, and John Buckley and wife, Leslie, of Brandon; grandchildren Mary Morgan Haire, Molly Haire, and Katie Buckley; two brothers, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Preschool Ministry of First Baptist Church, 100 East College Street, Clinton, MS 39056.