Donella Roberta Brown Wilson COLUMBIA - Donella Roberta Brown Wilson, 108, was born May 24, 1909 on the Peterkin Plantation in Fort Motte, SC, her grandparents and great-grandparents had worked as slaves. She was the only child of the late Henry Brown and Minnie Bryant Brown Logan. She quietly passed away on January 12, 2018, At an early age, Donella learned to read by the light of an oil lamp and a Sears catalog. That desire to read and write started a lifelong passion for teaching. In 1933, she earned her credentials and became a teacher, teaching on those same lands in Fort Motte in a one-room schoolhouse. Donella was married to the late Reverend John R. Wilson, Sr. During their 66-year love affair, they raised their four beautiful children. She was a member of Union Baptist Church, where she participated in many organizations over the years. She followed and supported her husband as he served as pastor and interim pastor in several churches in the area. They were very active in the Waverly Community. Ever civic-minded, Donella voted in every election since 1947. She was a member of many organizations, including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the NAACP, Household of Ruth, the South Carolina and the Richland County Retired Teachers Associations, Allen University Alumni Association, Interdenominational Alliance of Ministers Wives and Widows, Inc., the Columbia Counsel of Garden Clubs and the Carver Garden Club. Donella was National Superintendent Emeritus of the United Order of Tents, Southern District #4. In In 2017, she was awarded South Carolina's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto, by Governor Henry McMaster. She is survived by Donella Wilson is survived by her four children: Shirley Wilson Clinton, Patricia Wilson Clayton, Minnie Wilson-Bivins (Marion), and John R. Wilson, Jr.; four grandchildren: Donella Clinton Richards, Taylor (Vonita) Clinton, Jr. and Robert L. Clayton (LaToya), and Jeanette Clinton Holley; two great-granddaughters, Shirley Nicole Clinton and Kirin Donella Clayton; as well as other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will miss her dearly. The homegoing service will be held Friday, January 19, 2018, 11:00 am at Union Baptist Church, with burial in Palmetto Cemetery. Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. The visitation is today, 6-7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, educational donations may be made to The John and Donella Wilson Scholarship, Fund, payable to Allen University, 1530 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bosticktompkinsinc.com.
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My memory of Aunt Donella was one of the kindness she always displayed. She spoke well of my mother Evelyn and always made me feel welcomed. Her legacy will continue through her children and community. Much love, Elaine Berry Pruitt
Elaine Pruitt
January 23, 2018
Aunt Donella I will miss you forever. Love you ♥ T'sah & Family (including Little Rudi, Tyrah)
Theresa Seabrook
January 22, 2018
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mrs. Wilson's passing. When you feel sorrow during these sad times, look to your heart for happy memories you had with your mother.
Johnny and Gertrude Edwards
Friend
January 21, 2018
You have my greatest love and respect at this time. Will always remember and love Sept. Wilson. Love Sister Barbara Outler, UOUT.Royal Circle #44.
Barbara Outler
January 21, 2018
Mrs. Donella Wilson will all ways be in the hearts of the "Blue and White" family forever. We celebrate and honor your beautiful legacy. Peace and Blessing to her family,
Valarie Byrd
January 19, 2018
You will be missed and you are still loved!!
Veronica Thomas
January 19, 2018
The Elliott and Stevenson families would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Donnella Wilson. May God's comfort and peace be with you during this difficult time.
~The Elliott and Stevenson Family
Rosalind Elliott
January 18, 2018
To the Family of Mrs. Donella Brown Wilson, with heart felt condolences. May God bless and keep you. (A special note to: Mrs.Minnie Bivins)
Pamela Peterkin Smith
January 18, 2018
My prayers and condolences are with the family of Mrs. Donella Wilson. Your Mother's life enriched so many lives. May God grant you all comfort and peace during this time of bereavement. Best Regards, Isaac 'Bucky' McGraw
Isaac McGraw
January 18, 2018
Mrs Donella Wilson, Her life, her spirit, and her incredible attributes of leading by example will be sorely missed and reflected upon as a magnificent legacy...May God Bless her family and may she rest in peace.
Terry R. Scott
January 18, 2018
Leon and Diann Williams express our sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Donella Wilson. Mrs. Donella was a precious gift and blessing from God to those of us who knew her and to the world whom she made a better place. We thank God for the years we had Mrs. Donella and for the legacy she left to us all.
Leon Williams
January 18, 2018
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