Wilma Jean Slyman, 99, of Winston Salem, North Carolina, passed away at her home, on May 4th, 2025. She was born on May 26th, 1925, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Sam and Phoebe Eazer Haddad. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Anthony Slyman, her sister, Mildred Davis, and her brother, William Haddad. She is survived by six children and their spouses: Dr. Jim and Trish Slyman, Beth and John Parks, Peggy and Bill Reingold, John and Hidemi Slyman, Tom and Karen Slyman, Jeanne and Tim Gallagher; as well as her twenty grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and her brother, Dr. George Haddad. Known to many as “Sittoo” (Arabic for grandmother), Wilma’s life story can be described through three overlapping arcs: faith, family, and service. Wilma lived a life rooted in faith. She was a devout Catholic, devoted follower of Christ, and guided by the teachings of Scripture, she was an encouragement to her children, and those around her.
Wilma’s love for her family can best be described through 1 Corinthians 12 verses 4-7: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” She was a dedicated wife to her late husband, Michael Anthony Slyman, a devoted mother to her to her six children, a fierce Sittoo to a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a wise mentor and friend to countless others. She was an avid Steelers fan, she was at Three Rivers Stadium to witness the Immaculate Reception. Her bright smile will be remembered by all. Shaped in the Great Depression and by World War II, Wilma was called to a life of service. After graduating with a degree in nursing from St. Francis Hospital, Wilma’s 50-year career included caring for veterans, working night shift at the hospital, working as a pediatric nurse for her brother, Dr. George Haddad and working as a family practice nurse for Dr. Stephen Hux. Wilma’s desire for a purpose-filled life extended well beyond her profession, giving sacrificially to her family and friends. Whether it was caring for grandchildren, lending a listening ear, or baking amazing bread, pies, and holiday cookies, Wilma loved well and was well loved.
Wilma’s wish was to be cremated. The family is receiving friends on Thursday, June 26th, from 10 a.m. until the time of a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 628 Virginia Avenue, Rochester. A private inurnment will then take place at St. Cecilia Cemetery Mausoleum, laying Wilma to rest next to her late husband.
The family extends their gratitude for the women who lovingly cared for their mother over the last years: Starr Cartrette, Constance Graham, Jackie Baldwin, Cynthia Henao, Sierra Dobbs, Candace Kimbrough, Valerie Long, Michelle Trent, Laverne Sherrill, and Da’ton Edwards.
The family also would like to express their sincere appreciation to Mountain Valley Hospice and Trellis for their help in providing care and peace to our mother in her last days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to mtnvalleyhospice.org or Trellissupport.org.
Wilma’s arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.