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Retta Wilson Obituary
RETTA MAE WILSON
May 31, 1935 - Dec. 16, 2009
On May 31, 1935 God put an angel on earth in the form of a daughter born to Ralph and Margaretta McDaniel. On the morning of December 16, 2009 God took her home.
Retta moved to Brawley in 1948 and graduated from BUHS with the Class of 1953. Immediately after high school she was married to James R. Wilson on August 28, 1953 and their first son, Stephen was born in 1955. In 1959, the couple welcomed their second son, Arlynn.
Retta worked for the IID for 3 years before going over to Lincoln Elementary School. There she was employed as a librarian for 3 years before becoming the school's secretary, later retiring in 1995. During her working years, she was an active member of the Lincoln School PTA. Following her retirement, Retta continued her volunteer work with many different organizations including American Cancer Society where she was named Volunteer of the Year in 1996, and the Daffodils Program where she was coordinator in the Imperial Valley. She and her very good friend, Linda Shaner, co-coordinated the first Relay of Life event in El Centro. Retta was a member of Native Daughters of the Golden West where she was also secretary and treasurer for many years. Retta also volunteered with ECRMC Hospital Jr. Auxiliary, having worked countless hours in the gift shop and also as their treasurer until she became too ill to continue.
Visitation will take place Sunday, December 20 at Hems Brothers Mortuary in El Centro from 6 to 9 p.m.
Pastor Pat Drainville will officiate the memorial service to be held Monday, December 21 at 11 a.m. at Nazarene Church in El Centro. Burial will be private at Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jean Shaw; and husband, James R. Wilson in 1990.
Retta is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Ronda Wilson, and Arlynn and Lauri Wilson of Huntville, AL; grandchildren, Bryan Wilson, Travis Wilson and his wife, Kimberly, Brock Wilson and his wife, Laura Ann, and McKenzie Wilson; great-granddaughter, Chloe Wilson; in-laws, Joe and Janet Wilson of El Centro, Myra and Ed Lindsey of Temecula, Bill and Linda Wilson of Stockton, and Jerry Wilson of Santa Monica; and numerous nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, please bring a single red rose and donate to American Cancer Society, 400 S. 8th Street, in El Centro.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Retta Wilson
Wanda Lamphere (Sweetland)
January 14, 2010
Dear Steve and Ronda and Wilson Family,
Mrs. Wilson was the school secretary at Lincoln School where I attended as a child. I loved Mrs. Wilson, she was always so bright and cheerful, even when she didn't believe you had really been out sick! And she wasn't afraid to call you out on it either! She always had a smile and a hug for a child that was having a tough day. I have never forgotten her. Early last year I was visiting on a short weekend trip and was eating at Celia's Resturant and as we were leaving I saw her sitting with you at dinner and I couldn't help but go over and I Asked her " Excuse me, I didn't mean to stare at you, but are you Mrs. Wilson?" And she said "Yes" and I said "You probably don't remember me" and with a quick smile she said "Oh yes, You are the Sweetland girl, you lived on Woodward!" I was so suprised that she had remembered me! She said "I don't remember your first name, but I never forget my kids!" I am 45 now, and well, elementry school you know how long ago that was!So, what about 30 or more years ago? I was so touched that I found tears comming to my eyes. I will never forget her kindness and what a beautiful person she was. I was lucky to be one of her "Kids" My love and prayers go out to you and your Family
December 25, 2009
Dear Steve, Ronda and all the Wilson Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as we know Retta will be missed so much. Her caring, enthusiastic attitude and her genuine love for all touched many lives.
I first met her volunteering for the American Cancer Society, and we enjoyed working together on all the Daffodils and Jailathon events. Relay for Life was the best of times and Retta was the backbone and cheerleader for us all. I always looked forward to working with her and Retta has certainly left a legacy for us all to remember and live by.
Cherie Alford Eyer
Larry Eyer
Maxine Cannon
December 23, 2009
Steve & Arlyn: I had the pleasure of working with your mom at Lincoln School; what a lovely lady. We extend heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Don and Sandi Wirick
December 22, 2009
Dear Steve,
We extend our sincerest sympathies at the passing of your mother. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
Sylvia Preciado
December 22, 2009
Dear Steve ... My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I will always remember your mom's vibrant smile and sunny disposition whenever you and Ronda were out and about in her company. Her services were beautiful. God bless you all.
Betty Ann Jones
December 21, 2009
Steve,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Retta will be missed tremendously but never forgotten. I met Retta when I first started working in 79, she always had a wonderful smile and a nice word to say.
December 20, 2009
God Bless and Rest my blessed Aunt Retta's soul. I will miss her dearly and her wonderful warm smile, big hugs and cherry whip dessert that was the highlight of my childhood holiday memories as part of the Wilson family. My deepest and sincerest condolences to Steve, Arlynn and the entire Wilson family. Dana DiBartelo Hunt, Jeff Hunt and Danielle and Desirae Hunt
Dana Hunt
December 20, 2009
God Bless and Rest my blessed Aunt Retta's soul. I will miss her dearly and her wonderful warm smile, big hugs and cherry whip dessert that was the highlight of my childhood holiday memories as part of the Wilson family. My deepest and sincerest condolences to Steve, Arlynn and the entire Wilson family. Dana DiBartelo Hunt, Jeff Hunt and Danielle and Desirae Hunt
The Newell Family
December 20, 2009
Our family was deeply saddened when we heard about Retta's passing. She was a special lady--someone that we all admired and wanted to emulate. Our thoughts are with you, Steve and Arlynn, and your families.
Debi Ryerson Gray
December 20, 2009
Steve and Ronda,
I was saddened when I read of your loss. Both of your parents were wonderful people. Now they are back together in Heaven to watch over you again! Please know my heart and prayers are with you all. May the Lord give you strength as you travel this road.
Carla Paradise
December 20, 2009
There is another angel watching over us all. Retta will be missed.
Aline (Kay) Kimbriel-Aaron
December 19, 2009
I knew Retta many years, having worked with her in the El Centro school system and CSEA We were fellow cancer survivors and she will be greatly missed at the cancer walks.
My condolences to Steve and Arlynn and their families.
Laura Vazquez
December 19, 2009
I remember Mrs. Wilson being a very sweet person when I first met her as a child while attending Lincoln school. I recently had the pleasure to reconnect with her and enjoyed talking to her and found her to be the same gracious, lovely, and selfless person that I remember. She will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolence goes out to her family.
Aurelia De La Rosa
December 19, 2009
My condolences to Retta's loved ones and family. I met Retta when I first worked at Lincoln School in 1975. Her gracious and kind ways inspired me to also become an elementary school secretary. May the Lord be with all her loved ones in this time of grief.
Aurelia De La Rosa
Tony & Shelly Rouhotas
December 19, 2009
Steve, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We will be blessed with our many fond memories of your Mother.
Dan Ruley
December 19, 2009
I am sad to hear of the passing of Mrs. wilson. I met her when I worked at Lincoln school. I remember she always had a smile, no matter how hectic the day was. Like her husband Mr. wilson, she is gone, but not forgotten. May God bless the Wilson family.
Steve Seibert
December 19, 2009
Steve and Ronda,
So sorry to learn about the passing of your Mother. I know she was very special and you both loved her so much. I enjoyed your company and hospitality during my recent visit with you. Your friend,
Ella Alloway
December 19, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Bill Walsh
December 19, 2009
Please accept the deepest sympathies of the Walsh and Wokmunskie families.
We will always remember her as smiling and happy at Brock's wedding.
Denise Perez
December 19, 2009
Mrs. Wilson was avery nice and good woman . I met her in 1981 when my oldest daughter was in first grade at lincoln school. She always had a smile on her face and tried to help the parents the best she could, all the children loved her. My youngest was a fourth grader when she retired. we will never forget the kind ways of Mrs. Wilson. May you rest in peace. God bless all the Wilson Family.
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