NEWBERRY, OHIO - Wilma Grace Abbott, age 90, of Newberry, was promoted to her heavenly home on Wednesday evening September 2, 2026. Wilma was born on November 14, 1935, in Sinclairville, New York to the late Theodore and Mary (Wilcox) Childs. Wilma graduated from Baptist Bible Seminary of Johnson City, New York, earning a bachelor’s degree in religious education. Wilma served from 1959 until 1973 as a missionary in The Chad, Africa. After having to be evacuated from Chad due to political unrest, she returned to the United States. On November 30, 1974, she married Rev. Carl T. Abbott, and they served together for many years as missionaries with Campus Bible Fellowship in Cleveland, Ohio, influencing the lives of hundreds of college students for the Lord Jesus Christ. Together they also served for several years with CBF in Australia until their retirement in 2002. In their retirement years the Abbotts enjoyed practicing hospitality, gardening, and keeping in touch with their many church friends and former ministry contacts. Carl passed away in 2018.

Wilma was a member of Heritage Baptist Church of Smithville, Ohio. Wilma's friends and family will remember her most as a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, and for her knack for hospitality.

In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her siblings, Roger Childs, Jean Childs Calkins, and Shirley Childs Kerr. She is survived by six nieces, seven nephews, and a host of grand nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Millersburg Baptist Church, 625 S. Washington Street, Millersburg, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at the church at 11:00 am, officiated by Pastor James Jamison. Burial will take place at Fredericksburg East Side Cemetery, Fredericksburg, Ohio. Flowers may be delivered to the church on September 18 between 9:00 and 10:00 am. Memorial donations may be made to Baptist Mid-Missions, Middleburgh Heights, Ohio or to the church, in honor of Wilma. Donation envelopes will be available at the church. For additional information and to view Wilma's online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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