Gleema Lee Wilson

Gleema Lee (Johnson) Wilson, 90, of Independence, MO passed away peacefully October 4, 2022.

Born February 13, 1932, in Deer, Arkansas to Don and Hallie (Hicks) Johnson of Jasper, Arkansas, Gleema lived in Jasper and surrounding areas before she met Cleo Wilson in early 1947 on a blind date after his return from serving in the Navy. They married six months later on Dec 1, 1947 and were together for 75 years.

Gleema was a devoted wife, fabulous mom, amazing grandma and everyone’s friend.
She was known for her frequent garage sales she loved to hold and help organize for others. She even offered “layaway” to local families. She loved working estate sales with her friend Paul and living in Independence. You think “family” when you think of Gleema—be that her own or all those that claimed her as their own over the years. She was a skilled seamstress, making stuffed toys for many years that she sold at craft shows like Santa-Cali-Gon with her sisters, showered on the children and frequently donated to charities. In recent years, she made pillows for movie marathons for her “Movie Chicks.” She was a very caring, giving, beautiful person. She will be missed and always remembered.

Survived by her husband James Cleo Wilson and 4 children, Jeani Getz (Bob Hancock) of Lincoln, MO, David Wilson (Rebecca) of Blue Springs, MO, Sheri Heriford (Don) of Blue Springs, MO, and Steve Wilson (Kelly) of Independence, MO.

Survived also by 6 grandchildren, Dena Getz of Columbia, MO, Aaron Wilson of Florida, Amber Crist of Blue Springs, MO, Sicily Wilson of Independence, MO, Chelsey Roark of Independence, MO, and Joel Wilson of Midland, TX, along with 9 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and many more nieces, nephews, and “adopted” family members.

Preceded by parents Donald G. and Hallie Johnson, sisters Neva Kilgore, Virginia Biggs, Winnie Johnson, Ola “Pinkie” MacCabe, brother DC Johnson and infant Johnson.

Private burial was held Friday, October 14, 2022 at Mt. Washington Cemetery, Independence, MO. 

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life honoring both Cleo and Gleema on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Maywood Baptist Church, 10505 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO 64052. The event will include a memorial fundraiser for Folds of Honor, Englewood Arts, and Maywood Baptist outreach ministry. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in their names to those organizations listed above or Hope House.