Wilma Lee Burgess Clemons, age 78, of Rutherfordton, NC, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Upstate Community Hospice House in Landrum, SC.

A native of Polk County, Wilma was the daughter of the late Theodore and Mary Will Burgess. She loved to play games, sew when she was able, and reading brought her great joy. In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by several of her siblings.

Wilma is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert Clemons; her daughter, Rhonda Gibson; her son, Bruce Powell (Leslie); her sister, Lafoy Ruff (Abraham); her brother, Donald Burgess (Caroline); 10 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

The family will be celebrating Wilma’s life at a later date.

McMahan’s Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of cremation arrangements.