Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1925
DIED
2020
Mary Wilson Obituary
June 25, 1925 - September 10, 2020
Olympia, Washington - Mrs. Mary J Wilson, joined her husband, Jimmy (Major (Ret.) James Wilson), in our Father's heaven on September 10, 2020.
Born on May 6, 1925, to Hosea and Kizzie Jackson, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she married James Wilson on September 14, 1949. An officer in the U. S. Army, the couple traveled far and wide during the service of their country.
Their son, James R. "Chip" Wilson, was born in France, after a tour in Japan.
It was during their second assignment to Fort Lewis when they wanted to live off-post. Due to discrimination, they could not find a house or apartment to rent. After friends interceded on their behalf, a house was procured to rent. About a year later, a house in Lacey was purchased, despite a petition against them, in addition to the subsequent indignity of having a cross burned in the front yard.
Because of the discrimination focused against them, Mrs. Wilson became involved in the anti-discrimination fair housing movement in the Olympia-Lacey area which included helping other African American families find housing and local resources as needed.
Mrs. Wilson was one of three women who served on the Lacey City Planning Commission; served as commissioner to the Comprehensive Health Planning Commission for Thurston and Mason Counties; and helped form the Thurston County Chapter of the Black Woman's Caucus (and was honored in 1984 for her pioneering spirit).
As a result of her leadership as co-chair of the Martin Luther King Holiday Commission, Mrs. Wilson received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Community Involvement from Governor Booth Gardner.
The Tacoma Area Federal Executive Award was received by Mrs. Wilson for her work in developing exceptional system and efficiency developments used in the rating of military officers.
Mrs. Wilson proudly served five year as a board member of Seattle's Paramount Theater, and participated in the planning and implementation of the theater's restoration and restart.
In 2011, Mrs. Wilson was honored by the City of Lacey by having a plaque hung on a 75-year-old Douglas fir tree that is rooted on the property of the Jackson Family Estates in Olympia.
Mrs. Wilson was most proud of her involvement in two African American women's clubs out of Tacoma: The Matron's Club and The Links, Incorporated. She was a charter member of The Tacoma (WA) Links, Incorporated, which was organized in 1966, serving throughout the years as a member of all committees and facets, and also held the position of Vice-President. The Tacoma Chapter was blessed as Mary Wilson served as Vice president, Membership Services Chair, Services to Youth Facet Chair, Co-hosted the 1973 Area Conference, and hosted chapter guest speaker, Oseola McCarty. She remained an active member until her death.
Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by her husband, James Wilson, and her sister, Anna Walker. She is survived by her son, James R. "Chip" Wilson, and many cousins who loved her greatly.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Woodlawn Funeral Home ( https://woodlawn-funeralhome.com/obituaries/ ). Viewing will be Monday, September 28, from 3 – 6 p.m. at Woodlawn. Due to COVID-19 and the resulting restrictions, a private service will be held at St. Benedict's Church with burial at Mills & Mills in Tumwater.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Wilson
Randy Moeller
September 21, 2024
I drove by the road off Marvin Road, the way to her house and remembered the visits my wife Kernie and I had with her after she settled in and after her experiment in Tacoma living. She always served Champagne!
Randy Moeller
September 21, 2022
Mary knew me for perhaps five years before I retired from my practice. She put me on notice the first time she met me that her standards were high: her previous doctor was Mike Howard, one of the most complete, thorough internists I have ever known. That made me a little nervous but I proceeded with my usual care and she took to it. We got along famously. When I retired, I was surprised to see her come to a "send off" party for me. She told me she came to meet my wife, to make sure she was "good enough." I felt very complimented by that. My wife, Kernie, and Mary hit it off beautifully and I was invited to visit Mary from time to time so long as I brought her along.....
Joyce Chappelle
April 10, 2021
“And don’t forget the “J” in my email address.”
Sometimes a person enters your life for only a few minutes but is never forgotten. That was Mary J Wilson. I got on the Capital Aeroporter in Tacoma, starting my trip home to Cleveland. “Sit here”, said an elegant woman, and so I did. She was flying to Boston, the first leg on a Christmas season trip to the Dominican Republic. We had a wonderful conversation, and even found we had a mutual acquaintance. A National president of The Links had joined Jack and Jill at the same time as I. We also had a military connection as my son worked in public affairs at Joint Base.
Mary J Wilson was a delightful travel mate and offered me her email address. “Don’t forget the J”, she advised. I wrote it on a receipt that I unfortunately misplaced. Every time I came to town to visit my family I tried to look her up. I am so sad to see her obituary- she was charming, warm, and unforgettable. Please accept my condolences on the loss of Mary J Wilson.
Shaianne Luebbe
February 9, 2021
What a life and what a legacy. Mrs. Wilson was an absolute gem. I was blessed with the opportunity to be taken under her wing at 15 years old and I can say with conviction that I wouldn’t be who I am today had I not been mentored by her. She taught me essential life lessons and was my first real role model. It was an honor to be able to learn from her and to call her a friend. As my friend always says “everyday is a blessed day”!
sherilynn casey
January 10, 2021
I am so grateful to have known Mary. She, and her husband Jim who my mom, Doris Howard, called Mr. Wonderful, lived with my mom's parents, George and Jessie Weatherbie when they were first stationed at Fort Lewis and looking for housing. My mom kept up their friendship and I was lucky enough to inherit it. Mary's home was beautiful and she was so accomplished in all of her pursuits. We had some wonderful, meaningful conversations. She was a great educator of the history and discrimination she received and the ability to rise above, lead, and support others. With love and appreciation for Mary,
Sherilynn Casey
Stefanie Booth
October 5, 2020
What a blessing to be neighbors with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson growing up. I remember being in awe of her fancy house and intrigued by the African art. She always felt larger than life to me! Fortunate to see her a few years ago, still just as amazing as ever. She will be missed.
Raymond Moeller MD
September 27, 2020
Mary Wilson was a prize! I met her when her doctor retired and the fact that she was old and that he had recommended me to replace him was to say the least, daunting. She was so full of life as she “tested” me and my assumptions about her care. I barely knew her as she was transitioning into a life at a Senior Center with supports in Tacoma; I thought I would never see her again, but as a 90 year old, she returned and told me, “I am not living there! That place is full of OLD PEOPLE!” I suspect she had 10-15 years on most of them. And she was right to come back; I would see her driving on Pacific Avenue in that Cadillac and would shake my head. She was a force to be reckoned with! I was so thankful that she came to MY retirement party and made the needed exchanges of addresses to allow us to know each other socially. She also came to check out my wife and they became champagne afternoon friends, once every bit of a while. Mary Wilson, you enriched my life and I thank you for it.
Debbie (Skiff) Gaetz
September 27, 2020
Chip, I'm so very sorry to read of your mom's passing. I know she took enormous pride in you and all that you achieved; and I know you returned that pride in her. It's never easy to lose a parent, especially one who was your lifelong fan! Blessings and hugs.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Wilson's name
Memorial Events
for Mary Wilson
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Wilson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
