Wilma Lee Davis Bride

Wilma Lee Davis Bride, was born April, 2, 1933 in Cameron, LA to James Austin Davis and Martha "Tad" Meaux Davis and died in Lake Charles, LA on February 4, 2012 surrounded by those who loved her. She was a descendent of pioneer settlers of Cameron Parish including the Davis, Wakefield, Meaux, Welch, Rutherford and Yocum families.

Wilma attended Cameron Elementary School, Creole High School and graduated from St. Charles Academy. She attended Stratford Hall Preparatory College for Women in Danville, VA. She returned to Cameron and married William Earl Guthrie and raised 2 sons, William Earl, Jr. and James Austin Guthrie. In 1965, she and Buster Rogers formed the Cameron Barge Terminal, which she managed until it was sold. Wilma was an active life member of Wakefield Memorial United Methodist Church, serving on the Board of Directors in many different capacities. She was also a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service.

She was a Charter member and Past Matron of Thelma Hackett Chapter #225 and in 1987 Grand Warder of the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, State of Louisiana. She was also a member of the Colonial Dames of the Seventeenth Century, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Daughters of the Seventeenth Century and was past president of the Robert E. Lee Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

She was involved with the Cameron Fur and Wildlife Festival and served as director of the Friday Night program from 1973-1987. She competed in and won the skeet shooting contest on more than one occasion. She was a member of the South Cameron Athletic Association and a faithful Tarpon fan.

In 1990 she married Francis Bride and lived in Lake Charles until her death. She and Francis founded the Rx Ranch and were members of the LA Cattleman Association and the American Hereford Association.

They renovated the Old George Wakefield Home Place in Cameron built in 1844, a home that provided sanctuary to many during Hurricane Audrey and held many memories for family and friends. The home was destroyed during Hurricane Rita in 2005.

Wilma loved to entertain. Her homes were used to host legendary parties and crawfish boils.

She is survived by her loving husband of 21 years, her sons Earl and wife Kathy (Landry) of Cameron and Jamey and wife Jody (Potts) of Lake Charles, her sister Mary D. Henry of Lake Charles, grandchildren Kassie and husband J.R. Boudreaux of Cameron, Bill Guthrie of Lake Charles, Max Guthrie and wife Jamie (Hipp) of Baton Rouge, Austin, Mary Ann and Lee Ann Guthrie of Lake Charles, great grandchildren Will and Meg Boudreaux of Cameron, and Olivia Day of Lake Charles, and Jerry Don Kelley of Beaufort, NC, a child of her heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Lonnie and Furman Davis, and her brother-in-law Frankie Henry.

A private graveside funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 6, 2012 in Cameron at Wakefield Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 8:00 AM until 9:00 AM, Monday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Bill Guthrie, Max Guthrie, Austin Guthrie, Gary Dimas, Edward Petersen and Brad Trahan.

The family wishes to thank Secmonuer Alexander, other care givers and St. Patrick Home Health Service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the Wakefield Memorial United Methodist Church, 2411 Stoneybrook St., Lake Charles, LA 70605 or the Calcasieu Community Clinic, 550 E. Sale Rd., #217, Lake Charles, LA 70605.