Wilma Perez-Rhone

Wilma Perez-Rhone, born on June 14, 1970, to Efrain and Irma Perez, cherished her upbringing in Lorain, Ohio, where she thrived in the supportive environment of Lorain City Schools. Her early years were marked by a remarkable academic aptitude and an enthusiastic love for learning. Graduating from Southview High School in 1988 with top honors, Wilma continued her educational journey at the University of Toledo, where she proudly earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine in the spring of 1993. Her dedication and passion for knowledge shone brightly throughout her life.

Upon graduation Wilma moved to Columbus, Ohio to gain employment with the Ohio Division of Disability Determination where she met the love of her life, Raymond Bruce Rhone 111, who became her husband on August 24, 1996. This union was blessed with three beautiful children, Raymond IV, Rafael and Reina who were the joy of her life. She was an incredibly loving and dedicated mother who instilled in them the values of faith, honesty, family and friendship. Wilma was not only a devoted mother to her three children but also a loving surrogate mom to many young men in her close-knit community. She embraced these young men with the same care and affection she gave her own family. The many lives she touched and the warmth she shared reflect the deep grace and loving spirit that defined her. Wilma's kindness and generosity left an enduring mark on all who knew her.

A cornerstone of Wilma's life was her devotion to her faith. She embraced Christ at a young age and received her first communion at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lorain, Ohio. As an adult, Wilma found spiritual fulfillment and a strong sense of community at Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies, where she became a cherished member in 1993 and remained dedicated ever since. Her faith was a guiding light and a source of strength throughout her life.

Wilma's career was a reflection of her self-belief and unwavering faith, as she embraced various entrepreneurial ventures. For over 30 years, she excelled as a sales leader with Partylite Gifts Inc, showcasing her exceptional skills as a party planner. Additionally, Wilma shared her passion for cooking through her roles as co-owner of a Dream Dinners franchise and Dreamy Treats.

After spending time at home with her children, Wilma was employed by the Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation (BWC) as a bilingual customer service representative in September of 2009. She quickly moved up the ranks to become the Columbus Claims Director. During her time with BWC she was a founding member of the Nuestra Mesa and Black Employee Resource Group, 2020 Tower Award Recipient and Hispanic Heritage month facilitator and presenter. Wilma was an example of practicing one's faith through her work and serves as an inspiration for the multitude of persons who had the pleasure to witness her work ethic and passion.

Wilma deeply valued the support and love of her family, often cherishing the close bonds she shared with her siblings, cousins, and the nurturing presence of her mother, alongside the ingenuity and leadership of her father. Her extended family of aunts and uncles also played a significant role in her life, offering strength and affection.

As a friend, Wilma was a treasured confidant known for her unwavering loyalty, wisdom, and integrity. Her presence was a source of joy, thanks to her wit, charm, and grace. She believed in the power of a supportive "village" and made it a priority to spend meaningful time with her cherished friends.

As Wilma entered the eternal embrace of the holy kingdom, she was lovingly welcomed by those who went before her: her beloved grandparents, Rosa (Toledo) Perez and Manuel Perez and Gregorio Valentin and Dolores Martis; her respected mother-in-law, Velma Rhone; her dear brother, Manuel Perez; her cherished cousin, Angelina Perez; and her close friend, Derek W. Owens. We find solace in knowing that Wilma is surrounded by those she held close, resting peacefully in a place of eternal comfort and love.

Wilma's caring and nurturing spirit remains within the spirit of her loving family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 28 years, Raymond Bruce Rhone 111, her beloved sons, Raymond and Rafael Rhone, her treasured daughter, Reina Rhone, her affectionate parents, Efrain and Irma Perez, her adored brother, Efrain (Ciara) Perez, her esteemed father-in-law, Raymond B. Rhone Jr., loving sister-in-laws, Lisa (Frank) Hewitt, Sonja Rhone, Valerie (Cornell) Williams, Mia McKinnon, and her beautiful nieces, and nephews. Their lives are blessed to receive wisdom, love, and care from such a wonderous woman. Wilma will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Through her love for the teachings of Jesus Christ, Wilma leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. To know Wilma is to know love, to know compassion for others, and to know that an unwavering strength and belief in oneself and in God that there was no need to live with doubt and to appreciate the life we are given by God.