Obituary of Wilma Dourney

Wilma M. Dourney passed away with her family by her side on August 30, 2023. She was 80 years old.

Born in Bell Buckle, TN, to William and Sarah (Pruitt) Elkins, she lived on the family farm which was home to three generations of farmers. She was baptized and regularly attended Bell Buckle Baptist Church. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class in 1961 and then enlisted in the United States Army stationed in Ft. Eustis, Virginia.

Wilma held administrative positions over the years to support her family, but her career took off when she advanced to southeast regional sales manager at Tridon, a Canadian-based auto parts manufacturer in Smyrna, Tennessee.  It was while traveling on business that Wilma met the love of her life, John J. “Jack” Dourney, Jr., whom she married in April 1986 and settled with in Bedminster NJ.

In March of 1987, Wilma joined her husband Jack at ArmRLite Overhead Doors, the company he founded in 1958.  She brought her sales experience and served the company for over 35 years, retiring as CEO.  After Jack passed away in 2012, Wilma moved to Bridgewater and lived there and in her beloved Ft. Pierce, Florida.

Wilma loved her faith, reading, sewing, following politics, spending time with her family, and enjoying beauty in all forms—home decorating, gardening, and visiting scenic places such as Bermuda which was dear to her heart and Jack’s.

Wilma is predeceased by her husband, Jack, and her brother Mitchell Elkins. She is survived by her children Sharon McGrady; Shannon McGrady (Rob Marsh); Sue Dourney Erskine (Bill Erskine, deceased); Debbie Dourney Dynan; Cindy Dourney Tran; and Doris Dourney Dorey; and by her grandchildren Tricia Izadi (Darrin) and Ian Erskine; John and Nick Dynan; Tiffany and Kelly Tran; Jim (Courtney), Anthony, and Danielle Dorey.  She is survived by great grandchildren Jake and Ellie Izadi; and Mackenzie and Gracie Dorey, and by a sister Jan (Buck) Davis of Venice, Florida. Last, but not least, Wilma leaves a faithful canine companion of twelve years, her Wheaten Terrier Sophie.  

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, from 4-8 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack, NJ.  A funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 9, at 10:30 am at Hilltop Presbyterian Church (First Presbyterian of Mendham) at 20 Hilltop Road, Mendham Borough, New Jersey.  

A gift can be made to one of Wilma’s favorite nonprofits for those who wish. By mail: Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN  55905. Online: https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/