Mary Louise Wilson

Mary Louise Wilson, wife of Rev. Thomas Raiford Wilson, born on February 4, 1931, was called to eternal rest on December 28, 2024. The family considers it a mighty blessing that she was able to live as she wished, independent at the age of 93 and in her own home up until the moment that the Lord called her to a better one. We are brokenhearted as we feel the void that her absence has left in our hearts, but we also recognize the joy that comes from celebrating such a selfless life and a much-deserved peaceful transition. Mary Lou devoted her life to service as both an educator and a steadfast partner in ministry. She retired after a long and impactful career teaching at Memphis Area and Kansas Vocational-Technical Schools, where her passion for education touched countless lives. Beyond the classroom, Mary found her greatest fulfillment as a dedicated helper of her husband Tom, whom she married on September 8, 1952. Together, they worked tirelessly to uplift others through faith and compassion. She was also a self-taught pianist/organist, and she served in that capacity at Piperton United Methodist Church until she was 90. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Susan Elaine Wilson; her son, Daniel Raiford Wilson (Bethney Michelle); Godchildren but true family Steve and Betsy Calvert; five grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom, but we know they are finally and joyfully reunited. A woman of deep faith and quiet strength, her unwavering dedication to helping others has always inspired all who know her. May she and Tom rest together in eternal peace, embraced by the love of God. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. -Prayer of St. Francis No words can better describe the life of Mary Lou Wilson. A service honoring Mary Lou's life will be held at 3:00 Friday, January 3, at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis, TN. Visitation will be Thursday, January 2, 5-7:00. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to Methodist Hospice, the ministry that Tom (with Mary Lou's silent but powerful support, as always) started so many decades ago: Methodist Healthcare Foundation P.O. Box 42048 Memphis, TN 38174-2048 or www.MethodistHealth.org/give To view service online, please click on link below https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/108139/hash:9F5209D122C7E754