Alma Guider

Alma Roberson Guider, 85, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 13, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. She was welcomed by the love of her life, Ed Guider Jr. Born June 14, 1932, to Ruby and Raymond Roberson in Hixson, Tenn., Alma grew up with her older sister Margaret Roberson. Alma was preceded in death by her husband Ed Guider Jr.; parents, Ruby King Roberson and Raymond Roberson; and sister, Margaret Eloise Roberson. She is survived by her daughters, Terri Guider Wilkes (Eddie) and Judy Guider Roden (David); grandchildren, Charles Garland Smith Jr. (Dana), Parker Guider Smith (Erica), Natalie Grayson Smith, Kathryn (Katie) Lynn Roden and Andrew David Roden (Jessica); great-grand children, Ayva Jane Santana, Charles Garland Smith III (Trey) and Jackson Guider Smith; and beloved lifelong family friends, Erma Bird, Helen Shavers and Martha Henry. Alma attended Ganns Middle Valley School and Hixson High School. She was a varsity cheerleader at Hixon and also enjoyed acting in plays. It was during these years that she met a handsome young man, Ed Guider Jr., who she would spend the rest of her life with. As she cheered for him at basketball and baseball games, their love blossomed and laid the foundation for a truly beautiful relationship. During Alma’s freshman year of high school, her sister Margaret was tragically killed in a car accident. Alma often said that without Ed’s unwavering love and support that she and her parents could not have made it through that difficult time. They married after she graduated in 1950 and were never apart until his death in 2016. The love and devotion that Alma and Ed shared during their 65 years of marriage was that of fairy tales. Theirs was a true love story and their devotion to each other and their family should serve as a model for all of us to try to follow. Family always came first for Alma, and she was the most incredible, loving mother to her daughters Terri and Judy that could have ever been imagined. She was always a home room mother at school and chaperon for field trips and proms. Alma and Ed never missed any event whether it was music class, sporting event, band performance or dance recital. Everyone who knew them loved them and they were a welcome and beloved fixture at their children’s events. Terri and Judy’s childhood was so fulfilled that we would hope the same for everyone. Alma’s tender, compassionate heart and love for her husband and family was unrivaled. She was the greatest example of a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother that we have ever seen. She was so very proud of her daughters and grandchildren and enjoyed a special relationship with each of them. She cherished their visits and phone calls and would light up each and every time they were together. She was overjoyed with the arrival of her three great grandchildren, Ayva, Trey, and Jackson, over the last several years and was looking forward to the blessing of two more babies on the way this summer. For many years of her life, Alma suffered from chronic and painful conditions. With elegance and grace she stepped through each of life’s challenges with a positive attitude and smile. She shared her Christian faith with her family and this comforted her knowing that one day she would be in a better place with all of her loved ones. She kept her family and Jesus first in everything that she did. She did not just talk the talk…she lived by example and her light shined on all those she met. Although her loss is unexpected, her family takes great comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her husband and loved ones in heaven now. Pallbearers are Charlie Smith, Parker Smith, Andrew Roden, Johnny Spangler, Bill Newberry, and Walt Melton. A special thank you to her son-in- law, David Roden, for his care, loyalty, compassion, and for always being there. Alma always said David was like a son to her and she couldn’t do without him. A special thank you to her son-in- law, Eddie Wilkes, who became a true member of the family in recent years. She was so happy that Eddie joined our family and was so touched by all that he did for. A special thank you to her wonderful physicians, Drs. Kelleher and Ganapathy, for their care and compassion. Finally, a special thank you to the staff at Rosewood Assisted Living in Ft. Oglethorpe. There are too many names to mention but there wasn’t a day that went by that Alma didn’t mention how happy she was to live there and how good each and every person was to her. We are eternally grateful to them. Funeral services will be 12 Noon Tuesday at the funeral home chapel. Interment will then follow at Jackson Chapel Cemetery in Chester Frost Park. Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share words of encouragement for the family. The family will receive friends 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and an hour prior to the service on Tuesday at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.