John Wilson Sr.

1919 - 2016

Age 97, passed Saturday, July 9, 2016 peacefully at home in Lithonia, GA. He had been a resident of Gary for 93 years. Born May 27, 1919, John was the youngest son of six children born to Henry and Rosa (Allen) Wilson of Gary, IN. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1938 then attended trade school and became a gifted tailor. In 1940 he married his first wife, Marian Ripley. He served in WWII as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army. After the war, John was employed by U.S. Steel- Gary Works and retired in 1981 with 37 years of service. In 1952, he remarried Juanita (Thomas) Wilson, who preceded him in death after 37 years. He was an avid golfer at South Gleason Golf Course. Also preceded in death by both parents; son, John Wilson, Jr.; daughter, Gertrude Newton; brothers, William and Leonard Wilson; sisters, Augustine Ward, Helen Hall and Ruth Wilson; granddaughter, Adrea Wilson; and special friend, Pearl Pryor. He shall be cherished in fond memory by daughter, Carole (Jerome) Reed of Lithonia, GA; son-in-law, Leroy Newton of Michigan City, IN; grandchildren, Tabatha (Donald) Davis, Tina Maria Newton, Leroy (Lillian) Newton, Jr., all of Michigan City, IN, Michael (Latesha) Newton, of Carmel, IN and Jeri Reed of Lithonia, GA; 16 great- grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; favorite great-niece, Cheryl (Michael) Carter; cousin, Dr. Yolanda Brady, and a host of extended family and special friends. Visitation Saturday 16, 2016 from 9:00-11:00am with Homegoing Immediately following all at Holy Bethel M.B. Church, 810 W. 8th Ave, Gary, IN Rev. Thomas D. Fuller, officiating. Interment Fern Oak Cemetery, Griffith, IN.