Wilma Sholar Grady

Wilma Sholar Grady of Jacksonville (NC) and formerly of New Bern, departed her earthly life for her heavenly home late Friday night, May 8, 2026, while a resident of Onslow House in Jacksonville. She is preceded in death by her parents and first husband—Stanley Carroll Walker.

Left to cherish her memory are her son—Johnny Walker of Penderlea; grandson—Tommie Lee Jones of Warsaw; granddaughter—Debbie Hodges and husband Greg of New Bern; great grandchildren—Courtland Hodges and Jared Hodges both of New Bern; sister-in-law—Mary Walker; and special nieces—Annette Walker of Willard, Betty Sullivan of Leland, and Faye Chestnut of Rose Hill.

Mrs. Grady was born in Pender County, had reached the one hundred year mark in her life, and still had a valid driver license in the state of North Carolina. She was a very strong willed lady who was determined to do it “her way” for most of her life and was not interested in the fancy things of life. She viewed herself as “a plain Jane”, according to family and was willing to do anything for anyone. During the earlier days of her life she worked as a seamstress in a local textile manufacturing factory. As a loyal fan of Taco Bell, Wal Mart, and her beauty shop, she attended these businesses as regularly as possible.

A graveside service to celebrate her life is set for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in the Riverview Memorial Park of Watha. Officiating will be Dr. Johnny Chase. Padgett Funeral Home is proudly serving the Grady family.