As President of the Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation, I am sad to report that our beloved Wilda Hutcherson Redin died on January 26, 2021, after battling complications from the Covid-19 virus. She died less than six months after the death of her husband and our beloved coach, Harley Redin.

Learning from the family about Wilda’s illness and subsequent death was really difficult for me to accept. First thought—“Not our Wilda!” She was a small person in physical stature but so big and strong in spirit, leadership, and tenacity. It just didn’t seem like she was going to ever leave us. After all, she was a second Mom to so many of us Flying Queens. We were “her girls” as she would always say when referring to any of us. It didn’t matter how old you became you were still one of “her girls”. It seemed like Wilda knew what we each needed from her without you even having to ask. She was so generous with her time and means for so many throughout her entire life. She was an exceptional female role model for the Flying Queens and Queen Bees. Lots of us growing up in isolated rural areas in surrounding states had never encountered such a sophisticated, beautiful, and encouraging woman.

My personal relationship with Wilda became even stronger after I graduated from Wayland. Thus, then, and now, as an older adult my starry-eyed teenage impressions of Wilda continue to be solidly validated. Wilda truly was the rare genuine jewel we had seen as players.

All Flying Queens who had the pleasure of knowing Wilda Hutcherson Redin know Wilda is truly the Queen of Queens! Each and every one of us has a story of how this quiet, unassuming, and graceful lady touched our lives. These stories are cherished by each of us. We were a part of her family—she loved us and taught us so many things about being women—strong women in a man’s world. She encouraged us as individuals and supported the Flying Queens program financially and by her presence at our games. Both Claude Hutcherson and Harley Redin have been inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Wilda Hutcherson Redin may never receive such recognition, but to us, “her hundreds of girls”, she belongs right up there with all of the Flying Queens legends.

Wilda has now passed from this Earth but her memories and love will remain forever in our hearts. We pray for consolation, peace, and blessings to be bestowed on all her families.

Sincerely,

Linda Pickens Price

President, Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation, Inc.

Linda Pickens Price

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