Wilma Martez (Taylor) Maples

Wilma Maples Obituary Wilma Martez Maples, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on March 26, 2025, at 92. Wilma was a life-long learner, a woman of God, a political enthusiast, and an avid reader. She was born in Pensacola, Florida, to Edna and Willie John Taylor. She spent time in New York City, New York, before spending the remainder of her years in Cleveland, Ohio. Her parents divorced when she was young. Edna married Frank Goolsby, who raised Wilma as his own, along with her eight sisters and brothers: Marlene, Gertrude, Juanita, Frank, Edna, Christine, Harold, and Karyn. She was the oldest of 13, including four brothers born to her father, Willie John. Wilma was educated in the Cleveland Public Schools, attending Central Junior High School, where she met the love of her life, Albert (Pal) Maples, and later graduated from Central High School. Wilma and Albert were united in Holy Matrimony on January 15, 1952, and shared 68 years of marriage. Two children were born to this union: Albert III (Shug) and Paulette. She and Albert settled in the Ludlow neighborhood of Cleveland, where they actively participated in community activities, such as the Livingston Road Street Club. Their home was filled with love and learning, especially regarding the impact of current events. Wilma was a dedicated employee at several of Cleveland’s well-established institutions, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and Deloitte & Touche where she retired after 22 years. She was a lover of sports in particular basketball. Her favorite player was Lebron and she was always the go to person on what was happening in the sports world. Wilma was the proud grandmother of Kimberly and Crystal Bell. Although her home was in Cleveland, in recent years, Wilma has resided in North Carolina and Michigan near her daughter, Paulette, and son-in-law, Anthony Stallion. Wilma was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She was a devoted member of the Unitarian Church until its closure. Following that chapter, she continued nurturing her spiritual life by worshipping at Affinity Baptist Church, remaining committed to her beliefs and community. One of her life mottos, ”Never quit until your good is better and your better is best” Surviving to honor a life well lived are her daughter, Paulette Maples Stallion (Anthony) of Michigan; granddaughters Kimberly and Crystal Bell of Arizona; sister Marlene Bell; brother Frederick Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilma Martez (Taylor) Maples, please visit our floral store. Read More

Wilma Martez (Taylor) Maples

October 9, 1932 - March 26, 2025