Wilma Jean Hern, 97, of Glenville, WV; departed this earthly life just after midnight on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Serenity Assisted Living Facility in Buckhannon, WV; following an extended illness.
She was born August 25, 1929 in Cowen, WV; daughter of the late Charles C. and Mauga Mae (Cain) Wayne.
Wilma was homemaker who loved caring for her family. She had several jobs around the Gilmer County area during her working career, including (but not limited too), Kenny Shoe Factory, Gilmer Co., EMS, and various daycares. In her spare time, Wilma enjoyed working and caring for children, painting pictures, gardening, knitting, spending time with family and friends, and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever possible.
She is a Christian by faith, longtime member and avid supporter of the Church of God of Prophecy in Sand Fork, where she taught Sunday School for many years.
On May 24, 1947, Wilma was united in marriage to James Hern, who preceded her in death on June 1, 2005.
Surviving are 4 children, Jimmy Hern (Dale) of North Myrtle Beach, SC; Jeane Kennedy of Normantown, WV; Rusty Hern (Deb) of Ravenwood, WV; and Kevin Hern (Bobbi) of Cedarville, WV; 7 grandchildren, Chris Kennedy (Michelle), Kent Hern, Lyndsey Gwinn (Sky), Dusty Hern (Gloria), Amanda Deal (Matt), Hannah Bolyard (Scott), and Tyler Hern (Lila), and 1 brother; Randal Wayne (Pat) of Spencer, WV.
Also surviving are 16 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and many other wonderful family and friends.
Along with her parents (Charles and Mauga) and husband (James), Wilma is preceded in death by 6 siblings, Cecil, Jim, and Virgil Wayne, Betty Olene Wayne, Margaret Henderson, and Charlene Taylor, and son-in-law, Roger Kennedy.
A funeral service will be conducted at the Church of God of Prophecy in Sand Fork, WV; at 1:00 PM; Wednesday, October 28, 2026 with Pastor Bryan Groves officiating. Burial will follow in the Hern Family Cemetery near Cedarville, WV. Friends will be received from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Wednesday at the church in Sand Fork.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to the Church of God of Prophecy, 122 Burk St, Sand Fork, WV 26430 in honor of Wilma.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Wilma Jean Hern with traditional burial arrangements.
