Wilma (Pinky) Elizabeth Bender

Ocean Pines

Wilma (Pinky) Elizabeth Bender, 78, of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 8, 2023, surrounded by her family, following a long journey with Alzheimer’s.

She was the loving wife of Mark, who was her primary caregiver until just prior to her death.

Wilma is survived by her four children: Ronald Hebb, Jr. (Lisa), Elizabeth Danz, Brien Hebb (Stephanie), and Carrie Hill (Gordon); her 13 grandchildren whom she adored: Joshua (April), Amanda (Ambrose), Caleb, Zachary, Nicholas, Erika, McKenzie, Benjamin, William, Jason, Alexander, Caitlin and Charlotte; great-grandchildren: Maddie, Cassidy and Reese; and a brother, James O’Brien.

Her sister, Jeanne Martin, preceded her in death.

Wilma was born in Savanna, Georgia, on July 10, 1944, to the late Wilmer and Henrietta O’Brien.

Her pink cheeks became the inspiration for her lifelong nickname, Pinky.

She graduated from Eastern High in 1962, started nursing school, and later started her career at Martin Marietta. In the late 1980s, Pinky returned to school to follow her true calling of nursing, graduating in 1992 with her RN and enjoying a successful career as a cardiac care nurse.

Pinky loved traveling with Mark (cruises were her favorite) and devoted herself to her grandchildren who lovingly called her Mommom.

Services will be held Saturday, June 24, at the Community Church of Ocean Pines. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a service of remembrance at 11:30. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pinky’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.