Wilda Stacey

Wilda Wise was born in 1915 in St. Louis, MO while her father was in medical school. Her early life was spent in the small town of Sparta, MO (population 300) where her father had elected to practice family medicine. "I remember...my dad took care of the whole town. Everyone knew us and we knew everyone. His office was over the druggist's store. The druggist was a morphine addict and my father was often called to intervene when things got ugly."

In this small-town environment, Wilda grew up a devout Baptist. At 13, she had her spiritual awakening when she "...gave my whole being to Jesus Christ. I remember being baptized in the river, which was flooding. I was the youngest, and the farthest out in the river, but I was never scared, for I felt the power of God."

1939 was a momentous year for Wilda. She graduated from Lindonwood College with a degree in home economics and a major in science. Sadly, that same year, her father was murdered by the druggist. "Because of his addiction, the druggist was making too many mistakes. When my father confronted him about it, he reacted violently and ultimately, took my father's life. That was a very tough time not just for my family, but for the whole town, as close-knit as it was"

In 1943, she married Wallace Stacey, whom she had met in the fifth grade but didn't like too much. "He was too fat and he was always after me. After a while, I let him catch me!" Wallace and Wilda had three sons, Chris, a doctor who is now deceased, Steve who is a musician and teacher, and James, who is a minister and teacher. The major part of Wilda's life was spent being a homemaker and dedicated volunteer in the areas of church, school and community. Wilda "...considered volunteerism to be an obligation." She helped create the first Meals on Wheels in Missouri and the first safe house for battered women. Wilda served on innumerable not-for-profits including a stint as president of the Jackson County Medical Auxiliary and the Missouri State Medical Society Auxiliary. Eventually, she was asked to serve as president of the American Medical Association Auxiliary but declined because it would take her too far from home, too often.

She wasn't averse to travel, however. Together, Wilda and Wallace traveled extensively to far-flung places such as India, China, Africa, South America, Europe and Russia and the Middle East including Tehran, Afghanistan, and Kabul. At nearly 94, Wilda stays closer to home these days. She is involved as Director Emeritus of the Spring and "...very much likes the work The Spring has done. I think the move to the new space in Fayetteville is fantastic - The Spring will be the only one of its kind of resources in the area."