Willie Ella Wilson

April 22, 1933 - March 7, 2018

Willie Ella Harper was born April 22, 1933 in Bolton, Mississippi to the union of James L. Harper and Bertha Harper. She was the third of five siblings. She enjoyed a young, vibrant life of the excitement and adventure of her grandfathers farm. Willie attended St. Thomas Elementary School and the Southern Baptist Institute for high school. While attending Alcorn College, she met George E. Wilson, and after finishing her Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Alcorn College, the two married and moved to Chicago, Illinois to start their family and to start a career in education. To their union, two children born, Bridget and Reginald. Willie taught at Mary Church Terrell Elementary School in Chicago from the day it open in 1963 until she retired from teaching in 1993. Willie received her Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Governor State University in 1980. Deeply rooted in the Baptist faith, she was baptized early in St. Thomas Baptist Church Bolton, MS. In Chicago, she became a dedicated member of the New Pasadena Baptist Church where played the piano, sang in the choir and participated in many church auxiliaries since 1973. Willie was a cheerful and funny lady, always laughing and making others laugh. Having many facets she enjoyed playing the piano, sewing, preparing an exceptional feast, baking, and especially holidays, she really made them special. Willie led a long, happy, fruitful, and healthy life. She will be missed as the matriarch of our family. Her slow and painless decline the last eight years of her life ended peacefully on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. The committed care of her caregivers, Blair and Felisia are beyond compare. Willie leaves to cherish her memory, two children Bridget (Otis) and Reginald; one grandson, Brandon; two great grandsons, Brandon and Brionne; two siblings, Moses and Barbara (Standard); three sisters-in-law, Mary Little, Mary Earl and Camelia; and copious nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.