Bettye Foster Wilder Graveside services for Bettye Foster Wilder will be held Friday, March 5, 2010 1:00 at Magnolia Cemetery, Meridian, with Dr. Rhett G. Payne III officiating. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Wilder, 86, of Meridian, died March 2, 2010 at Queen City Nursing Center, Meridian. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Meridian for over fifty years where she served as officer of the Women of the Church, Circle Chairman and teacher. Mrs. Wilder was an honors graduate of the University of Mississippi where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. A former member of John Rolfe Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Society, she was also a charter member of the Hattiesburg Chapter of American Association of University Women. Mrs. Wilder served as Immunization Coordinator for the Mississippi State Department of Health for over 25 years, retiring in April, 1993. She twice received the Durward L. Blakey Epidemiology Award for outstanding contributions and service in public health in Mississippi. Survivors include her son, David Eugene Wilder and his wife, Debbie, of Thomasville, GA; daughter, Melanie Wilder, of Meridian; brother, Charles Hill Foster and his wife, Elizabeth, of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Justin Collier McGee, David Bedford Wilder, Jane Foster Wilder and Charles Duncan Wilder. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hill Foster and her grandson, Michael Anthony McGee. Her family requests memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church of Meridian or a favorite charity. Family and friends may sign online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com. Visitation will be held Friday 11:30-12:30 at the funeral home.
