Wilma Raden passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday August 21, 2021 at home surrounded by her son, Rick Graham, daughter-in-law, Joy Gingerich Graham, and daughter, Teresa Raden Mosley.  Mrs. Raden was born on May 18, 1931 in Itawamba County to Archie and Zadie Hale.  She was married to Bill Raden, also of Itawamba County.

Mrs. Raden had suffered continual health problems over the past 5 years.  Prior to her 90 ^th birthday, she was diagnosed with cancer.  Over the past 7 weeks, Mrs. Raden has been cared for by her children, her personal sitter, Elizabeth Wicker, and the compassionate staff at St. Joseph Home Hospice Care.

Mrs. Raden was a strong Christian and was a member of Highland Baptist Church for over 51 years where she spent earlier years teaching the preschool Sunday School Class, G.A.s, Vacation Bible School and was a faithful member of her Sunday School class. Her hobbies included reading (especially the Bible), gardening, and watching "America Says," "Chopped," and "Guy's Grocery Games."

Many Vicksburg mothers may remember Mrs. Raden, as she worked in the children's department at McRae's for many years. During these years she developed numerous relationships with mothers who respected her dedication to providing them with personalized services.  It was her joy to make others happy.

Mrs. Raden was a very dedicated mother and "Mimi" who made numerous sacrifices to make sure her children and grandchildren had the things they needed to be happy and successful in life. She was the greatest cheerleader for her son and daughter, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their endeavors.  Mimi delighted in giving them wonderful gifts for birthdays and Christmas. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at Mimi's house were always a special time because she made the best cornbread dressing ever!

It goes without saying that her pride and joy were her granddaughters, Allison, Amanda, Elisabeth, and Emily.  In addition, she was blessed by her great-grandchildren, Amelia, Jacob Annelise, Graham and John Riley.

Mrs. Raden was preceded in death by her first husband, Orville Graham, her parents, Archie and Zadie Hale, her granddaughter, Elisabeth Marie Mosley, her second husband, Bill Raden, and her brother, J.T. Hale. She is survived by her brother, J.D. Hale (Hazel) and his family of Fulton, MS, son, Rick Graham (Joy) of Vicksburg, daughter, Teresa Mosley (Ken) of Clinton, MS,  granddaughters, Allison Spangler (Jeff) of Columbus, Ohio, Amanda Spaw (Joe Bill) of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Emily Mosley, of New York, New York, and great-grandchildren, Amelia Bakowski, Annelise Spangler, Jacob Spangler, Graham Spaw, and John Riley Spaw. "Mimi" will be so missed but she will hold a special place in the hearts of all those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Highland Baptist Church or to Friends of MSH, P.O. Box 157-A,  Whitfield Mississippi  39193.  Notate "Shatter the Silence Suicide Prevention Program"  in the subject line or donate online through PayPal on the MSH website – msh.state.ms.us (the link is below the Friends tab)

In Psalm 139:14 we read:

" I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my uniformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before even one of them came to be."

Psalm 90:12 which was a prayer of Moses

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Mimi's days were numbered at 32,944 and I will always remember her wisdom.