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Leola Wilson Obituary
"Goldie" as she was known to friends, was born in Seminole County, Oklahoma, and spent her youth in Los Angeles, California. She moved to San Francisco in 1946 and lived in the Fillmore District until 2010. She owned and operated several businesses including Oklahoma King's Bar-B-Q, The Blue Mirror, The Birdcage Tavern and Goldie's Supper Club.
In 1953, she opened the Blue Mirror, a successful and hugely popular night club, which played a major part in the Fillmore District's documented jazz history. The Blue Mirror featured both local artists such as Booker T. Washington, Bobby Webb, Saunders King, Frank Johnson, Earl Grant, Lowell Fulson and world renowned performers such as Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington, The Mills Brothers, Sarah Vaughn, and many more.
Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 13th, 2015 at Third Baptist Church, 1399 McAllister Street, San Francisco, followed by a repass from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the West Bay Conference Center, 1290 Fillmore Street, San Francisco.
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Memories and Condolences
for Leola Wilson
Ted Wysinger
November 15, 2021
I do remember Mrs. Wilson as a kid . I lived on Fell n Fillmore . We kids were treated so nicely by you whenever we seen you out and and about . I ended up as a musician playing at THE BLUE MIRROR until it's closing . Thank You {Goldie} RIP.
Alana Taylor
November 30, 2016
I love you and I appreciate the time we did have.
Marguerite Versher
February 16, 2015
My apologies Miss Queen. When I was 5 years old (1959) we used to push the door open at the Blue Mirror and say crazy stuff. You were so nice to some bad kids. God Bless you on your journey home.
Pilar Mudd
February 13, 2015
A beautiful woman, rest in peace.....love you "Goldie"
Michael Taylor
February 12, 2015
Goldie, Rest in Peace I'm sure you're looking over all the loved ones you've touched and blessed in this world. God Bless Heaven has a new Angel
carlos burns
February 10, 2015
To the Wilson family, please accept my deep sympathies...
Unfortunately, I did not know her. However, I did make the Blue Mirror in my search of the jazz haunts in S.F. I have a fond memory of seeing/hearing the Virgil Gonsaves Sextet there somewhere in the mid to late 50s. I also remember a conversation with John Hardy(?) who was in radio at the time. I remember he was almost in tears because of something that had happened at the radio station, I believe. Can't remember details. But I came very close to him hiring me for clerical work, or dealing with the records. But I didn't type then and he needed someone who did.
The Blue Mirror remained a place I liked a lot. It was right in the heart of some of my favorite places like Melrose Records. A large part of my collection was bought there.
With sincere affection,
Carlos Burns
Mill Valley
February 10, 2015
I shall never forget the admiration and respect that my father had for Mrs. Leola King. He was in commercial and residential air conditoning, refrigeraton, stove and other appliance sales and repair and provided services for Mrs. King at her businesses and residential properties. I was young and wished I could meet this lady. I did when Dad took me on a call with him. I found her to be pretty and very business minded. To my dismay, I never made it inside the BLUE Mirror. May she rest in peace and may you find solace in the legacy that she left in San Francisco and the love that she gave to you. Carol Tatum
Richie Taylor
February 9, 2015
Leola King (Goldie) was by far one of the strongest women I've ever known. Ms King was a true leader and motivator to everyone she came in contact with. Miss understood by some, but loved by many. Goldie was uplifting and inspirational to everyone around her. Your presence will be sorely missed.
Sincerely,
Your grandson (Richie)
February 9, 2015
San Francisco was so fortunate to have Mrs. King Wilson give and share her life's story here to make the city great. May God bless the family during this time of loss.
Dr. Mary Wardell Ghirarduzzi
LaVaughn King
February 8, 2015
I am offering my condolences to you
It was wonderful to meet her. She was very kind to me and I enjoyed the best ham hocks at her restaurant. She was a very pretty lady and you were blessed to have such a loving Mother.
Lance Burton
February 8, 2015
As a young boy, riding in my father's car, down the hill from the top of Fillmore Street, I'll always remember the blue hue of light that glowed in the dark over that 900 block of Fillmore Street. Visible from Fell and Fillmore, it was the cool sheen that distinguished 'The Blue Mirror' which reflected Mrs. Leola King's dynamic presence during those years of the 50s. She infused class and style to the short lived era that was truly golden for our community. Long live the memory of the Queen of Fillmore. You are Goldie. Forever, rest in peace.
February 7, 2015
What a tremendous lady! Rest in peace.
Jon Kydd
February 7, 2015
Thank you for your contribution to Jazz Music and the Arts.
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