Eunice M. Wilder
April 30, 1938 – January 23, 2022
On January 23, 2022, Eunice M. Wilder passed away peacefully at age 83 after a brief illness.
A Philadelphia native, Eunice graduated from The Philadelphia High School for Girls, and received a B.S. in Accounting from Howard University in 1959. It was during college when she met her former husband, former Virginia governor L. Douglas Wilder, with whom she had three children: Lynn, Larry and Loren.
Eunice began her career at Consolidated Bank & Trust Co. After taking time to raise her family, she resumed her career as a cost accountant at Reynolds Metals Company in 1976 and held the position for ten years. During that time, she also obtained her real estate broker’s license and worked at Fowlkes & Ricks, Inc. After obtaining a Certification in Public Accounting (CPA), Eunice left Reynolds to work at Coopers & Lybrand accounting firm. In 1992, she was appointed to the position of Treasurer of the City of Richmond by the Richmond Circuit Court judiciary. Eunice then won six successive elections for treasurer and served twenty-five years in this position before retiring in 2016.
Eunice was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Virginia Association of Realtors, the Treasurers‘ Association of Virginia, and Leadership Metro Richmond.
Eunice was also a member of The Richmond Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the National Epicureans, and this year (2022) marks her 50-year membership in The Girl Friends, Inc.
Eunice exuded happiness, humor, generosity, charisma, and enthusiasm. She had creative flair and an artistic spirit. She always exhibited grace and strength notwithstanding any challenges or obstacles and kept a healthy sense of humor throughout.
Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Lucy Montgomery; and her three sisters, Jean, Jeannette and Sandra. She is survived by her three children, Lynn D. Wilder, Lawrence D. Wilder, Jr. and Loren D. Wilder; two grandsons, Wilder J. James and Dean E. James; and nieces and nephews.
A private funeral and interment will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to Howard University in support of the Eunice Montgomery Wilder Scholarship Fund. Gifts may be made via credit card or electronic check online at https://giving.howard.edu/emw , or by mail at the following address:
Howard University
Attn: Eunice M. Wilder Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 417853
Boston, M.A. 02241-7853
This is to convey to the Wilder and Montgomery families our heartfelt sympathy over your loss. Eunice M. Wilder has left an indelible impact on the lives of all with whom she has interacted. May it comfort you to know that ethers share your sorrow during your period of bereavement. We offer you an R. Tagore quote that we find comforting …. “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come”.
Sorrowfully,
Anthony & Lois Harrison-Jones Fears
Mitchellville, MD
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Wilder while working in City Hall. Once I left that location I would stop by occasionally to talk to her. She was always pleasant and I recall us talking about “taxes”, family and vacation. Sorry for your loss may your faith, family and friends comfort you during this difficult time.
Rest in peace great woman
To Loren, Lynn, Larry and Family,
May your many memories of your wonderful mother and loved one comfort you and your family at this time.
May the work that she’s done speak for her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Torsarn “Tudy” Duncan Roebuck
My deepest, most heartfelt condolences are with you and your family. May you find comfort in fond memories. She will be missed by many.
I WILL MISS OUR WEEKLY CHATS, ,
SHE SO OFTEN SPOKE OF HER FAMILY, PARTICULAR HER GRANDSONS,
KNOWING THAT SHE LIVED A FULL LIFE, I WISH HER GOD’S PEACEAND MAY HER FAMILY REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES.
IRIS DANCE MURRAY
I met Mrs. Eunice seven years ago in City Hall. I admire the way your mom lived her life and the light she bought to others. She was a very special woman and I will missed our occasionally talks. I will always remember her smile when you speaks about her grandson and children.
Your family has lost a loved one, but heaven gained an angel.
With Deepest Sympathy.
Dear Wilder family, my condolences on the loss your mother. What a special woman she was. Our first meeting was at a Spring District meeting for the Treasurers Association of Virginia. The day was bright and sunny, and we could see a lake from our table (and we talked the whole time!). We had the most enjoyable day. It’s such a happy thought of a lovely, honorable, soul. May all of your memories bring a smile to your face, and give you peace at this difficult time. Love and prayers.
My deepest sincere sympathy to the Montgomery and Wilder families. I met Eunice when I was at Douglas Wilder’s inauguration as Governor of Virginia. May Eunice rest in peace. God Bless you all. David Shaw Richmond VA
To Lynn, Larry, and Loren
“A mother is with you always, first in her life time, then forever in your memory.”
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Debra M. Jones
Dear Loren, Lynn and Larry,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. I always enjoyed my conversations with her and her words of wisdom. Things will get better with time. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Rich Williams
In Loving Memory. What a pleasure to have crossed her path!
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family. We will truly miss our “golden girl.”
Rest in Peace Lynn’s mom and I say it like that because of the relationship they shared. This news brings heartbreak especially for my dear friend Lynn. If you need me girlfriend you know I’ll be right there. I live in Waynesboro now but no place is too far that I won’t be right there. 8045339435.
It’s never easy saying good-bye to a loved one, but saying good-bye to a parent carries a special burden. My prayers are with you and your family for the strength to get through this.
Rest In Peace my friend. I will miss our conversations regarding politics, family & careers. If I missed anything in the newspaper Eunice was sure to keep me informed.. We spoke everyday when we were working at City Hall. She loved art and she shared with me the history of each piece.
Thank you for the beautiful Christmas card .
Our sincere condolences to Lynn, Larry, Loren and family.
Sending sincere condolences to the Wilder family. May you find some comfort in the loving memories in your hearts.
Sorry for the family’s loss. Eurnice has be a dear friend for years. She will surely be missed.
Dear GF Loren and family,
My sincere condolences on the passing your beautiful Mother. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories shared over the years and cherish those times with all your heart. Continuing to prayer for you.
Love,
A Servant’s Heart