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William Wilson Obituary
Edward Wilson
Dr. William Edward Wilson, 81 of Canton, Ohio, passed away Monday, July 7, 2008 following a brief illness and hospitalization at Mercy Medical Center. Dr. Wilson was one of Canton's first African-American dentists and a community leader and volunteer. He loved his family, church, employees, patients and the Canton community. He loved to talk and never met a stranger. Dr. Wilson was born in Lebanon, Ohio to Mary Helen Crockett and Joseph Fred Wilson in April 1927. He graduated from Middletown, OH High School, attended Wilberforce University and Miami (OH) University, ultimately graduating from Tennessee State University in 1952. He was inspired by his uncle, Dr. S. Freeman, a professor of dentistry at Meharry and he graduated from Meharry Dental School in 1955. Dr. Wilson was a social activist and champion for the poor and underprivileged and promoted equal access to housing, education and health care delivery through his leadership and involvement in many Canton and regional organizations and charities. He served as President of the Canton Urban League, Canton Health Advisory Committee, Canton Charter Commission, President, War on Poverty Board, President, Black Alliance for Freedom, President Canton Black Coalition; He held volunteer leadership positions with the Red Cross, March of Dimes, and Stark County Dental Society. He was appointed to US Committee on Civil Rights for Ohio, served as an adjunct professor of Sociology at Malone College and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Kiwanis, Canton Jaycees, and Faith United Christian Church. He received many national, state and local recognition and humanitarian awards for his volunteerism and leadership on social and health issues. He traveled the world with his wife and family and was an avid golfer. He was preceded in death by his parents, and all his siblings of Cincinnati and Middletown, OH. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dr. Doris Ashworth Wilson; his children, William ("Denny") A. Wilson of California, Edwina Wilson Divins (David) of Jackson, MI, William "Edward" Wilson of Columbus, OH, Dr. Chester A. Wilson (Gina Larkins) of Canton; his grandchildren, Bianca Wilson McKeown (Brian), Keri Wilson Kallas (Nick), both of Canton, Cameron Wilson of Akron, Amber and Haley Larkins and Danielle Wilson of Canton, Glen Divins of Jackson, MI; daughter-in-law, Michelle (John) O'Boyle; foster grandchildren, Shannon and Mariah Perkins of Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews; and his special friends, Mrs. Priscilla Perkins, Mrs. Patricia Hunter, Mr. Robert Smith, Mr. Fred Johnson, Mrs. Ann Simon all of Canton and Dr. Artis White of Los Angeles, CA. Visiting hours with the family Open to the public, will be held Saturday July 19, 2008 from 3-6 p.m. at Faith United Christian Church, 3411 Richmond Ave. NE, Canton 44705. Condolences may be sent c/o Dr. Chester Wilson, 2205 E. Tuscarawas, Canton, Ohio 44707 or Edwina Wilson Divins 734-845-1530 phone/e-mail:
[email protected]
A scholarship fund for Canton area students will be established in his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to: "Dr. William E. Wilson Memorial Scholarship fund", c/o Key Bank-Private Banking, 4495 Everhard Rd Canton, OH 44718. We plan to have the Scholarship administered by a local foundation. The family wishes to thank the medical and nursing staffs at The Laurels of Massillon and Mercy Medical Hospital and Mercy Hospice for their tender loving care of our beloved husband/father.
Stewart & Calhoun,
330-535-1543
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Wilson
Shani Smith-Pierre
February 1, 2025
Vera Wells
September 21, 2008
Uncle Beenie I will always remember you. You were an inspiration to me.
My thoughts and prayers are with my family. All of us miss you, your niece.
Vera (Crockett) Wells
Edwina Smith
September 8, 2008
I am so grateful to have been a part of Uncle Bill's Life! Because of him, I got to spend quality time with his children while my own child was but a baby. I got to know and love Aunt Doris. I met Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.....I got roses, hugs, kisses and lots and lots of stories. Thanks, Uncle Bill. I love you, Man!
Lois DiGiacomo
July 28, 2008
Dear Doris and Family,
My deepest sympahy and prayers for you and yours for the loss of your husband and father...Doris, I missed coming to the services because of obligations with grandchildren...I think of you often and how your friendship from being together when our children were babies influenced my life. I would love to talk with you again.
Be Blessed!
mark and deborah fontes
July 21, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jeff Jenkins
July 20, 2008
Denny, Chester, Edwina and Edward, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Your father was a mentor and a friend. He will be missed and Canton Ohio will not be the same without him.
God Bless
Rob & Denise Keirn and family
July 19, 2008
Chet, you and your family are in our thoughts.
Leslie Plummer
July 18, 2008
Doc as we knew him was a wonderful person. My mom Virginia Glass was at the Laurel's of Massillon for six years and Doc was a loving force to our family. He was always there for us. He also got my mom to come out of her room and do things, rather than sit by herself. We really enjoyed his stories and his knowledge. My mom passed 8-07 but Doc was there for her and us in her last days. God Bless his family. We did get to meet a few of you and it was our pleasure to know and meet you. The Family of Virginia Glass (Tom, Jim, Marita, Leslie)
Chandra Caddell- Underwood
July 17, 2008
Edwina and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss ,but what a terrific man and father! Growing up and spending time with your family- the memories are absolutely priceless. The first dozen roses I ever received were from you and your dad on my 17th birthday. Until then I had never seen yellow roses, and they were beautiful! I will remember this forever.
Dr. Wilson was an extraordinary man, he always tried to teach us something about life and how to enjoy it to the fullest as he did.
I imagine him to be walking around Heaven right now, talking and laughing as always.
"Thank You" Wilson family for sharing with us all. I will continue to pray that God will comfort you
during this time.
Remember, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Amen.
Love always,
Dorothy Hall
July 17, 2008
May God bless and keep the family at this time. Our prayer are with you and we are praying for you. We love and lift you in pray at this time
Tracey Freeman-Eddins
July 17, 2008
My condolences to the entire family. Dr. Wilson was not only my first dentist but like a godfather to me. I will always remember, "bite down for me love!"
My prayers are with you all.
Behavior Bryant
July 17, 2008
Chester my condolences to you and your family.
When I moved to Canton in 1985, I became one of his patients and remained for a few years.
Then in the 90's I became one of your patients.
I pray god will comfort your hearts in this sorrowful time.
Diana and Jim Martin
July 17, 2008
May God watch over the Wilson family, and give them strength. All who knew him will miss Dr. Wilson. From our family to yours, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Diana, Jim Martin, and family
Taviatha Jackson (James)
July 17, 2008
Denny, Edwina & all of the Wilson Family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Chandra Brown
July 17, 2008
Dr. Wilson was my first dentist when I was little. I remember going to his office on Cherry Ave. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Victoria Sheegog
July 16, 2008
To Dr. Wilson's family. Please accept the condolences of the Robert Young family. Daddy and Dr. Wilson were roommates at the Laurel's and he will be missed. God bless you in this time of sorrow.
Sherry Jackson
July 16, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Dr. Wilson was a man with Great wisdom that he shared with all who would take heed to it. I thank him for always telling me to take care of my teeth. I have excellent teeth,today because of him. I shall always remember him as joyful and full of laughter in the Dental office and helping those in the community.
Quentin Moore
July 16, 2008
We are praying for you at this time and for the days and weeks ahead. Your memories will sustain you as you miss your friend as we will. God bless you. Quentin & Cynthia Moore
July 15, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Jan Perdue
July 15, 2008
Dear Doris Wilson,
You weren't a Dr when I knew you. You worked at Molly Stark Hospital at the time I knew you. Sorry for your loss my prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. God Bless and bring you Peace.
Jan Perdue
EMMA BLEDSOE
July 15, 2008
DR WILSON WAS THE FIRST DENTIST THAT MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF HAD 30 YRS AGO WHEN WE MOVED TO CANTON. HE WILL BE MISSED.
hollis alexander
July 15, 2008
Stark co. Will miss a great man who opened so many doors may god bless the wilson family in there loss your in our prayers god bless Hollis and tammy alexander and family
Winfield and Sarah Lee Parker
July 15, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Carol J. Carter-Lowery
July 15, 2008
Dr. Wilson,
Thank you for teaching me how to take of my teeth. You were my first dentist and the most significant one in my life. I will always remember your gentle, but very firm instructions on proper dental care.
Besides being my favorite dentist, you were always so supportive as I began and continued my formal education. During our many conversations,you taught me the importance of community activism as an integral part of my professional growth and development. Thank you for your those lessons, and please know I did not forget to do the right thing when the situation required action.
I extend my sincere condolences to the family at this time.
Carol J. Carter-Lowery, Ed.D.
Professor Emeritus
Central Connecitcut State University
New Britian, CT 06051
Mary Lockett
July 15, 2008
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Wilson was truly a great man with a lot of wisdom behind his name.He would tease me and say the lady with the bedroom eyes (smile) I am glad Dr. Chester followed in his footsteps and he is now my dentist. Much love and prayers for the family. God bless A friend always Mary
Cathy Risby
July 15, 2008
May God wrap His loving arms around you to comfort and sustain you. Dr. Wilson was a joyful person.
Paul & Janet Martin
July 15, 2008
Dear Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort. God bless you.
kim (Taylor) Brown
July 14, 2008
Edwina and Family
As you celebrate the life of your father with family, friends and acquaintances; the time will come in your quiet moments when the memories of his time spent with you will have a more significant meaning then ever before. It will be these memories that will keep him with you until you meet again. My prayers are with you and your family.
Gino Carbenia
July 14, 2008
Chester I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing and offer my condolences to you and all your family. Canton has lost one of its finest sons and I am glad I had the opportunity know him. God bless !!
sandra compton
July 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mark Villono
July 14, 2008
Willie, Keri, & Bianca,
Our sympathies go out to all of you for the loss of your father & grandfather. What a great example he set for our community by everything he was involved in. Wow, what a resume! Hang in there.
Love & God Bless,
Mark Villono & Family
Linda & Art Falls
July 14, 2008
I had the great pleasure of meeting Dr. Wilson when his son opened his practice and worked a couple years with him before he retired. He was truely a good man. He never met a stranger and always wanted the best for all. I will miss him very much. To all the Wilson family, you are in my prayers!!! And since I still work for Chester, you know you have a friend!!
sheryl gonter
July 14, 2008
i had the pleasure of encountering dr. Wilson in my life i was a patient of his at the community clinic and i loved this man to death you could not ask for a more loving and caring soul so god must has a very special assignment for him you are all in my thoughts and prayers
Arvita L. McNeill
July 14, 2008
To the Wilson family,
Was so sorry to hear of your loss. I got a chance to visit Dr. Wilson at the Laurels last year when I was home. Fred Johnson and I went to see him, and as you know, he took the conversation and ran with it. He was a joy to talk to. He will be sorely missed by all. Dr. Wilson was a great man to all who knew him and also in the community. Keep God first and He will give you the strength to endure. Be blessed.
Former Cantonian,
Rhonda Hart-Huguley
July 14, 2008
Denny & family,
You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Sincerely,
Sandra Stephens-Ingram
July 14, 2008
Dr. Doris, Denny, Chester, Edwina & Edward my condolences to you and all the rest of the family at this time. We will all hold on to the fact that Doc knew the Lord and he is in a far better place. Doc made this place a better place everywhere he went. I will always have fond memories of all his stories and all of his departed wisdoms (if you asked or didn't). Just know we will see him on the other side, he won't be hard to miss he will be the one talking and giving instructions the all the other angels. I love you all.
Jo Ann Laury
July 14, 2008
Chester,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your
father May the Lord guide and comfort you My prayers are with you
Gemma Family
July 14, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Doug Harris
July 14, 2008
My deepest condolences to the Wilson family.
Angie Mayo Hall
July 14, 2008
with deepest sympathy........
Julie Sproul
July 14, 2008
My brother and sisters grew up with "Willie", Edwina & Eddie so I have a lot of fond memories of that time. While I only met Dr. Wilson once or twice in my young life, he was a powerful, impressive man to one so young, and I remember being in awe of him. His tenets were obvious in his children with whom I had the pleasure of knowing.
Debbie Seymour Floyd
July 14, 2008
Edwina,
You and your family are in my prayers.
Rev. & Mrs. Cato Waiters and Family
July 14, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Beverly Dennis
July 14, 2008
my deepest sympathy to all of the Wilson family, i met Doc at the Laurels where my mother is a resident. I visited with him many times and grew to love him dearly, He will surely be missed by all.
Cheryl Polk
July 13, 2008
As a child I remember the dentist office on 6th and Cherry NE. I always admired him and looked up to this professional black man as a role model.
May the Lord comfort you in your loss.
John & Kathryn Shearer
July 13, 2008
Our condolences to Doris and your family on the death of your husband and father Dr. William Wilson. He touched the lives of many and was respected by those who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Mr/Mrs Earl M and Amparo Adkins
July 13, 2008
From our heart we are withyou Dear Wilson Family. And our prayers to GOD will be in this grief time you are.
So sad we meet him so late in life.But in short time we admire Dr. Wilson very much for " his human touch " that GOD bless him with.
You was a GREAT MAN !!! Dr. Wilson.
We know he is resting in " good hands " and will be in our heart for ever...
GOD bless all you.
Judy Coles (Allen)
July 13, 2008
Extending my deepest sympathy to the Wilson Family during this time of sadness and sorrow. May God Bless You.
Bianca (Wilson)Mckeown
July 13, 2008
My grandfather was a great man. He always put God & his family first. He believed & saw the good in everyone. He befriended everyone. He was kind, caring,& loving. He was very wise & believed in education. He will be sorely missed by all.
Shirley Neals
July 13, 2008
Praying for you at this difficult time.
Shirley Thompkins Neals
Max Wachtel
July 13, 2008
To the family of Dr. W.E. Wilson: I would like to express my deepest condolances to you. I have known "Bill" since we were in the JACEES together and we used to play golf to gether. Max Wachtel
patty allen
July 13, 2008
To the Wilson family May God comfort you all at this time and make your hearts strong Love the Allen Family. From Sherrick Rd
CONNIE LSTON& FAMILY
July 13, 2008
CANTON HAS LOST A GREAT MAN HE WILL BE MISSED BUT YOU WILL BE BLESSED BY THE LIFE THAT HE LIVED BE STRONG AND LEAN ON THE LORD THY GOD AND HE WILL MAKE EVEN THIS MORE EASY FOR YOU TO BEAR
The staff of the Laurels of Massillon
July 13, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Doc. was a light hearted, fun loving guy and we will miss him. He was truly a part of our family.
Dave Greenbaum
July 13, 2008
Willie,
I am very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a true gentleman and a father to be proud of.
July 13, 2008
Dr. Wilson was a wonderful gentleman and friend
thelma keith Dickerson
July 13, 2008
TO THE WILSON FAMILY, YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND I PERSONALLY WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT DR.WILSON WAS MY FIRST DENTIST AT THE AGE OF 11YEARS OLD AND I REMAINED IN THE FAMILY DENISTRY UP UNTIL I MOVED TO COLUMBUS,OHIO 2YEARS AGO -I ALSO HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING HIS SON'S........GOD BLESS YOU ALL - THELMA KEITH DICKERSON AND THE ENTIRE KEITH FAMILY..........MY NICKNAME IS "PUNCKIN".......
Clarke Braun
July 13, 2008
We have lost a great man, good familyman, & friend. My parents, Alan and Patricia Braun spoke many times about what wonderful people the Wilsons are. He will certainly be missed.
Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home
July 13, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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