Obituary of Wilma Berkley Byron

Wilma Berkley Byron, 99, of State College, died December 3, 2021 at the home and under the loving care of son Ronald and daughter-in-law Jeanne. She was born on December 11, 1921 in Berlin, PA, on a farm that had been in her family since the 1700's. She was the daughter of Sherman Berkley and Anna Hay Berkley and married Raymond Byron on June 21, 1946, who preceded her in death.

Wilma was a graduate of Berlin Brothers Valley High School and Indiana State Teachers College (IUP) with a degree in music education. She taught in the Blairsville and State College Area School Districts retiring in 1984 after a career as an elementary general music teacher. She thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and visiting with friends and family. Her hobby in retirement was her family, serving many delicious meals and birthday cakes at her table and she never said no to a babysitting opportunity. She attended grandchildren and even great grandchildren performances and events as she was able.

Wilma is survived by four children, Robert Byron and wife Bihsheue Wang Byron of Colonial Beach, VA, James Byron and wife Leisa Byron of State College, PA, Ronald Byron and wife Jeanne Watts Byron of Spring Mills, PA and Lee Byron and wife Leslie Davis Byron of Ithaca, NY; nine grandchildren, Sepheen Byron, Justin Byron, Joel Byron, Julian Byron, Ryan Byron, Meredith LeRoy, Margaret Byron, Veronica Stiffler and Keara Byron; and nine great-grand children. Wilma is also survived by her brother, Lewis Berkley and his wife Barbara of Berlin, PA; She was preceded in death by her brother Van Berkley of Somerset, PA and sister Lucille Nast of Harrisburg, PA

A Celebration of Life will be held at Koch Funeral Home on December 11, 2021, which is her 100th birthday. Visitation will be from 12-1:30 pm with service following. At the request of the family, visitors to the funeral home should wear masks. In lieu of flowers and to honor her love of children and music, donations can be made to the Nittany Valley Children's Choir (www.nittanyvalleychildrenschoir.org). Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.