Wilma Nell Elmore "Mamanell" Bodiford

NEWTON…Mrs. Wilma Nell Elmore “Mamanell” Bodiford, a resident of Newton, died early Monday evening, November 9, 2026, at her home. She was 83.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, November 12, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Mike Griggs officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Bodiford, the daughter of the late George Washington Elmore and Lela Mae Watson Elmore, was a lifelong resident of the Newton area and a woman whose life was defined by her love for family, her dedication to children, and her commitment to serving others. She was well known throughout the community as the owner and operator of Every Mom's Choice Daycare in Newton, a business she lovingly operated for more than thirty years. For generations of families, her daycare was much more than a place for childcare. It was a second home filled with kindness, laughter, encouragement, and love. Countless children were blessed by her care, and many parents found comfort knowing their children were in the hands of someone who treated them as if they were her own.

Before following her passion for caring for children, Mrs. Bodiford worked for General Electric and SONY Corporation in Dothan. No matter where she was employed, she was known for her strong work ethic, dependable nature, and caring spirit. Throughout her life, she believed in working hard, helping others, and making those around her feel valued and appreciated.

While she was a dedicated business owner and hardworking woman, her greatest joy came from spending time with the people she loved. She cherished every opportunity to be with her family and especially treasured the time she spent making memories with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than watching her family enjoy life together.

Mrs. Bodiford loved traveling and looked forward to every opportunity to explore new places and create lasting memories. She also found great happiness at the lake, a place that brought her peace and joy throughout the years. Some of her most treasured moments were spent riding in the boat, watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren ski across the water, cheering them on, and taking pride in every accomplishment. As the day came to a close, she especially enjoyed quiet sunset cruises on the lake, soaking in the beauty of God's creation while surrounded by those she loved. Those moments became cherished memories that her family will hold close to their hearts forever.

Shopping was another pastime she thoroughly enjoyed, whether she was searching for the perfect gift for someone special or simply enjoying a day spent with family and friends. She had a generous heart and found great joy in doing thoughtful things for others, often putting the needs and happiness of her loved ones before her own.

She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Newton, Mrs. Bodiford will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, family member, and friend whose life touched countless people. She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-three years, David T. “D.D” Bodiford; son-in-law, Larry Burcham; siblings, Frank Elmore, Annie Mae Blankenship, Ruth Priebe, Ruby Smith, Kenneth Elmore, Elizabeth Walden, Byron Elmore, James Elmore, Ellen Gunter, and an infant sister.

Surviving relatives include her daughter, Paula Burcham, Newton; son, Pete Beasley (Kimberly), Midland City; four grandchildren, Misty Cherry (Mike), Kristy Barefield (Patrick), Jesse Beasley (Wendie), and Jolie Fields (Devin); five great-grandchildren, Madelyn Newman (Drake), Reese Barefield, Aaron Beasley, Ashlyn Beasley, and Emersyn Fields; several nieces and nephews including, Earl Elmore; nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Krislyn Walden.