Wilma Gouge Allison

Wilma Gouge Allison of Coats, NC, age 85, passed from this world in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh. Wilma was born on November 22, 1940, on Wing Road in Bakersville, NC., to Robert Ezekiel and Oady Lucinda Gouge. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Paul Edward Allison, Jr., and her brother Ralph E. Gouge.

Wilma always proudly noted that her parents were asked to let her start kindergarten a year early. She was a lifelong learner and enjoyed being both a student and, in later years, a teacher and mentor to those pursuing their GEDs. She graduated from Bowman High School in Bakersville, NC, in June 1958, and enrolled in Western Carolina University that fall, being the first in her family to attend college.

On January 28, 1961, Wilma wed Paul E. Allison, Jr., at Snow Hill Baptist Church in Bakersville, NC. They settled in Marion, NC, for Paul's teaching career, later building their first and only house in Old Fort, NC, moving in during 1964. In the 1970's, while her children were in school, Wilma took training in audiology and was ultimately hired by the McDowell County Schools as their audiological technician in 1978. She served in this role for 25 years, screening the hearing of all the children in the county's 11 schools. Wilma retired in 2003.

Wilma's hobbies over the years were extensive. She sang with the Old Fort Community Chorus for decades. She especially enjoyed their Christmas Concerts at Biltmore House in Asheville, and their Easter cantatas. She was a regular community volunteer, served on several historical committees for Old Fort, was a regular traveler, and a member in leadership at Old Fort United Methodist Church. Her favorite trips were to Germany, Italy, Austria, and France. She gardened each summer and enjoyed extensive canning and freezing; reading and bowling were also regular pastimes well into her latter years. In addition to all this, Wilma was an AVID Duke basketball fan, rarely missing a game and attending several games in person over the years. This past Duke season was one of great joy and comfort to her.

In 2010, Wilma and Paul sold their home in Old Fort and moved to the newly-built Preston Pointe independent living community in Morrisville, NC. For twelve years, they enjoyed dining, outings, and social gatherings with their many new friends. They celebrated their 50th anniversary there and quickly made it their new home. Paul passed away January 5, 2022, and Wilma remained at Preston Pointe until moving to Coats in December 2025.

Wilma is survived by her son Gregory S. Allison (Susan) of Cary, daughter Beth Allison-Moon (Lisa), of Coats, and son Stephen E. Allison (Michelle) of Greensboro. Her other immediate family survivors are sister Wanda G. Ledford of Frisco, TX, and brother Douglas Geouge (Jewell) of Westminster, MD.

In addition, Wilma is survived by her beloved grandchildren Brittain Allison (Emily) of Knightdale, Nathan Allison of Cary, Hannah Allison (Klein) of Raleigh, Nolan Allison of Plainfield, Indiana, and Neal Allison of Plainfield, Indiana, as well as her first great granddaughter (Brittain and Emily), who is expected soon. She also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews: Cynthia Saylor, Robert Gouge, Mark Gouge, Joshua Gibbs, Jennifer Bentley, and Jennifer Moyle.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 25, at 2:00 p.m., at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Raleigh, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, or Old Fort United Methodist Church Hurricane Relief, 273 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762.