Patricia Ann Inman Wilder

July 7, 1939 – July 23, 2025

Chesapeake – Patricia Ann Inman Wilder, 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 23, 2025, after a brief battle with dementia. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and the heart of the Wilder family, Patricia—known affectionately as Grams or Pat-Pat—leaves behind a legacy of deep love, strength, and compassion.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Patricia graduated from Great Bridge High School. She spent over two decades serving her community through her work at HRSD before retiring. As a single mother, she also took on a second job as a dispatcher for Overnight, always putting her family first and doing whatever it took to provide for them.

Patricia was the devoted mother of three children:

• Michael David Wilder, who lives in Italy with his wife Deborah Kay. They are the parents of Charity, Thomas, and Andrew, and lovingly remember their daughter Faith, who passed away in 2015 from ovarian cancer.
• Her second son, William Robert “Rob” Wilder, preceded her in death on June 19, 2023. He is survived by his sons Joshua and Justin.
• Her daughter, Jodi Susanne Wilder, and her children, Jason Yoder and Jackson Yoder. Jodi and Jackson were her steadfast caregivers and were by her side when she peacefully left this world.

She is predeceased by her former husband and great friend, David Wilder; son, Robert Wilder, and granddaughter, Faith Wilder. 

Patricia is survived by seven grandchildren: Charity Wilder, Thomas Wilder, Andrew Wilder, Joshua Wilder, Justin Wilder, Jason Yoder, and Jackson Yoder; and five great-grandchildren: Lane Wilder, David Wilder, Grayson Wilder, Inman Wilder, and Kent Wilder.

Known for her warmth, resilience, and unshakable love, Patricia was a woman who made every person in her life feel seen, special, and cared for. She had a gift for forgiveness, a sharp wit, and a heart big enough to carry the whole family through the hardest of times. She was a force to be reckoned with and never hesitated to show up for the people she loved.

She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. As the matriarch of the Wilder family, Grams taught us how to love hard, laugh often, and always show up for each other. Her legacy will live on in the stories we tell, the strength we share, and the way we care for one another—just like she taught us.