Augusta, GA - On May 5, 2017, with family at her bedside in her home, Wilma Lucille Steeg Clifford, 93, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully and was welcomed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. For the past twelve years, she faced every trial these diseases imposed upon her with dignity, bravery and selflessness.
She was preceded in death by her parents Walter E. and Blanche Steeg, brother, Glen Steeg and sister, Dorothy Richardson all of Valley Center, KS, her husband, Dr. Richard R. Clifford, Sr. of Augusta, GA and her beloved son Walter E. Clifford of Folkston, GA.
She is survived by her daughters Debbie Denning (Jon), and Denise Baker, and her son, Richard R. Clifford, Jr. (Bebe) Also, her grandchildren, Clifford Baker (Angela), Jon Michael Denning, Laura Kigweba (Simoni), Brandon Clifford (Jessica), Loren Clifford, Aubrey Clifford and Katherine Clifford. Two great-grandchildren, Caroline Baker and Ryland Clifford.
She loved to laugh and will be remembered for her witty personality that endeared her to family and friends. Everyone who knew her had an amusing “Wilma story” to tell. She will be greatly missed by all and leaves a void in this world that can never be filled. She had a generous heart for those less fortunate and the home-bound. She loved spending time in the mountains and enjoyed hosting and entertaining friends and politicians in her home.
Wilma was a trailblazer becoming the first female real estate broker in the CSRA in 1967 with the opening of Clifford Realty. She was a past member of the Junior Women's Club and past president of the South Augusta Women's Club. She was an original charter member of Cliffwood Presbyterian Church.
She requested a closed casket and no visitation. She also asked to be given a private graveside service at Westover Memorial Park with her family only. The Reverend Xavier Creekmur officiating. A celebration and remembrance of Wilma's life will be held for family and friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Monday, May 8, 2017 at the Dennings, 3218 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the care given by Yvonne, Kay and Xavier of Affinis Hospice and Ashanti Jenkins. The family also thanks Ann Spence for her faithfulness and Judge Danny Craig for his years of friendship.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Augusta Alzheimer's Association, 106 SRP Dr. A, Evans, GA 30809.