Wilma Deane Brown was the third child born to Leo and Aline Brown in Purdy, Missouri on October 4, 1935. She grew up with one older sister and one brother and eventually the family enlarged to include two more sisters and two more brothers. As a teenager Wilma would sing with her older sister at church and community gatherings.
The family moved to Furley, Kansas in 1950 where Wilma attended Whitewater High School and dated and fell for the love of her life, Walter “Doc” Schwemmer. They married in 1953 and lived near Furley. Doc was in the National Guard and worked at the airbase. In 1955 they moved to Newton and Doc worked for the Newton Milling Co. Wilma was a homemaker and they had two children, Mike and Michelle.
They relocated to Wichita and managed a gas service station for three years. After completing training Doc became a Co-op Manager at Rozel, Kansas; then later at Arlington, Kansas. They began collecting old furniture and dishes and upon their retirement in 1999, moved back to Newton.
In her past, Wilma demonstrated a talent for writing poetry. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have always been a source of joy to her.
Doc and Wilma bought a home on our campus in 2009 where Wilma still lives. Doc passed away in 2011 from cancer. They were married for fifty-eight years.
In the past, Wilma has done volunteer work at The Etcetera Shop here in Newton and enjoys a social life with other KCH residents as well as maintaining contact with lifetime friends and participating in the faith community of First Baptist Church.