Wilma Jean Spears

December 22, 1931 - July 5, 2020

Wilma Jean Spears, 88, of Traverse City, passed away July 2, 2020. She was bornin Rifle, Colorado December 22, 1931, daughter to Otis and Almeda (Harris) Bates. On December 14, 1952 Wilma married Dwight Craker, a Northport native. The couple met and married in Colorado and then moved back to Michigan shortly thereafter. Wilma would continue to remain in Northern Michigan for the rest of her life. Although it ended-up not working out for Dwight and Wilma as a couple, they both remained friends for the rest of their lives. Wilma was a talented crafter of all sorts, especially sewing. Most of the outfits her daughter Carol wore as a child were handmade by Wilma. She also restored old worn-out dolls to perfection and sent them abroad to orphaned children. Wilma worked hard in the area as a LPN for over 40 years. She is survived by daughter Carol Everhart; grandson Matthew Everhart; great-grandchildren Alexander and Lauryn Rose Everhart; and several other beloved greats and extended family members; sister Martha (Dick) Clark and brother Clifford Bates. She was predeceased by her parents; eight siblings; and former spouse Dwight Craker. A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, July 14, 11:00AM, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.