Lillian V. WILSON

Wilson - Lillian V. March 29, 1931 to August 28, 2013. Former owner of Claytons Toy Store, passed away on August 28, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with Cancer. Lil grew up in Phelps, NY and was the daughter of the late Peter L. and Mary Anna (Schied) Verdehem. One of eight siblings she often would tell stories of helping around the house, taking care of the younger kids and working on the farm. Lil took great pride in having attended and graduated from Cortland State University. She utilized her education working for the City of East Aurora in the Parks and Recreation Department as well as at Westminster Nursery School. She met her husband Charles Townsend Wilson III "Towny" while skiing in 1959 and they were married soon thereafter. Together they ran an antique business and then they bought Claytons Toy Store in 1971, which they passionately owned and operated until the early 1990s. Lil was definitely the "go-to" person at Claytons. She had a knack to always know the right toy, game, doll or gift for each child. Lil knew most all of their customers by name, many of who became close family friends over the years. When running Claytons and long after they had sold the store, Lil was extremely active playing tennis in various leagues. She was often on the court many times a week. She especially enjoyed spending summers with family and friends at "the beach" looking out over Point Abino Bay. Lil is survived by her loving husband Towny and three daughters Sarah Wilson, Ann (Patrick) Carroll and Martha (Trey) Barrett. She is the step-mother of Charley (Claudine), Amy, Barrett and the late Eric Wilson. Lil is the dearest grandmother of Andrew Barrett, Patrick Wilson, Natalie Schnaitmann, Laura Wilson and has numerous great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Lil's life at the Buffalo Yacht Club (One Porter Avenue) on Saturday, January 25th from 4 to 6 PM. Flowers are gratefully declined.