Wilma Jean Green

Wilma Jean Tapley Green, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 21st, 2025, age 92. Born August 6th, 1933, to Joe Earl and Edna (Glover) Tapley, Wilma’s life was shaped by family, grit, and kindness – values she carried in every season of her long, full life.

Wilma married Amos DC Green on March 22nd, 1960, and together they filled their home with resilience and unconditional love. Wilma was the proud and devoted mother of five: Ronald “Ronnie” (TJ) Green, Patricia “Dianna” Green, Sandra “Sandy” Green, Tammy Green Reasoner, and Charolette “Jo” Green (Marty) Bowie. Her heart overflowed as her family grew to include six grandchildren (R. Bryce (Lindsey) Green, Lance (Maria) Green, Dylan Reasoner, Samantha Reasoner, Emily Bowie, and Erin Bowie) and five great-grandchildren (Gracen “Gracie” Green, Harper Green, Mary Grace Green, Anna Green, and Bethany Green).

Known affectionately as “NoNo”, Wilma was the heartbeat of every family gathering. Her home was always warm, her table always full, and her holiday decorations always festive – from all sizes of paper hearts taped to the front porch; Easter eggs swinging from the tree branches; front yard turned into a graveyard with ghosts, goblins, and pumpkins; to the yard filled with multiple Christmas blowups or even a homemade life size Santa Claus, sleigh, and eight reindeer taking flight. Her love for holidays and for others shined brightly, as she is famous for dressing up in a Snoopy or Pink Panther costume to wave at all the passing cars with Christmas music playing in the background. Her famous Shake-n-Bake pork chops, stewed potatoes, crockpot pinto beans, biscuits and gravy and, of course, her desserts, break-and-bake chocolate chip cookies, homemade fudge and chocolate pie, made her kitchen a place of comfort and connection. More than the meals, it was the laughter and love around her table that made those moments so cherished.

Wilma’s generosity extended far beyond her family. She volunteered with the Sylvan Hills Booster Club to support her children’s activities and lead a handicapped bowling league in NLR/Sherwood that grew to serve over 120 disabled bowlers. She made sure every participant felt celebrated, ending each season with a party that reflected her belief that everyone deserved to feel valued.

A spirited competitor at any game table, Wilma was always up for a good game of Mexican Train or Rummikub – though anyone who dared play against her knew never to touch her set of tiles. Her playful streak and mischievous grin kept everyone on their toes on game night.

Professionally, Wilma worked for many years as a Patient Accounts Specialist at Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock and Little Rock, where her kindness and work ethic earned the respect of her colleagues and patients alike. Her life’s work was not defined by her profession, but through her care of and companionship with her special needs daughter, Sandy. Together, they walked in over twenty-five 5K races, cultivated a thriving garden, and put together no less than 500 puzzles.

Wilma is preceded in death by her husband, Amos, her brother, Aubrey Tapley, and her parents, Joe and Edna Tapley. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, her faithful dog, Wicket, and a cherished network of extended family.

Wilma’s life will be honored in a private service surrounded by family and friends. Though deeply missed, her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.