Ida Mae (Williams) Wyche

     Ida Mae Williams Wyche, affectionately known as ‘Hard Rock’, graced this world on Monday, March 7th, 1949, as the precious daughter of the late James and Mattie Williams Sr. in Emporia, Virginia. 

     At an early age, Ida Mae embraced her faith and was baptized at Mars Hill Baptist Church. In 1967, she proudly graduated from E.W. Wyatt High School, marking the beginning of a journey filled with education, dedication, and love. Continuing her quest for knowledge, Ida pursued studies at Cortez W. Peters Business School in Washington, D.C. Later, she earned her dental assistant certificate from the McCarrie School of Health Sciences and Technology in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ida's commitment extended beyond her professional pursuits as  she completed home health aide courses to provide loving care for her father.

     Throughout her diverse career, Ida displayed an unwavering work ethic in various retail positions. Notably, she made history as the first Black woman to work at People's Drug Store in Emporia, Virginia. Her contributions also reached Simmons Travel Center, Dollar Tree, Zip Mart, 7-Eleven and Mitchell Brothers. Beyond retail, Ida served as a substitute teacher and teacher's aide for Greensville County Public Schools.

     Ida's infectious joy radiated through moments spent with family and friends, dancing under lights, solving jigsaw puzzles, playing games, and enjoying the serenity of her porch. A devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan, she passionately followed their games and, without fail, tuned in to her favorite soap opera, General Hospital, every weekday at 2 p.m.

     On Friday, January 19th, 2024, our dear loved one  peacefully gained her heavenly wings while in the care of Bon Secours Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Virginia. Ida's heavenly reunion includes her eight siblings: Robert, James, Helen, Anna, Adell, Mary, Earl and Ella. 

       She is fondly remembered by: her partner, Edward Franklin; her children, Marc Wyche Sr. (Lisa Watts) and Adriane Hancock (Demetrious Obie); her sister, Cathryn Odom; bonus children, Tarshell Wyche, Edward Franklin, and LaTonya Franklin; grandchildren, Raymond Wiley, Marc Wyche Jr., Kiana Hancock, and Deona Hancock; bonus grandchildren, Treycoy Franklin and Markel Threat; brothers-in-law, Moses Odom, James Wyche Jr., George Coleman and Daniel Wyche; sisters-in-law, Pauline Williams, Peggy Williams, Edith Wyche, Darlene Wyche and Shirley Wyche; aunts, Mary Briggs and Bertha White; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters/brothers-in-love, friends, and former co-workers.

     Ida Mae Williams Wyche's vibrant spirit, warmth, and resilience will forever echo in our hearts. May her legacy be a source of comfort and inspiration, and may she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she shared with us throughout her remarkable journey.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Wyche's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mrs. Ida Wyche.

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY, 

 PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED**

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ida Mae (Williams) Wyche, please visit our floral store.