John Elbert Wilson Sr.

1933 - 2021

John Elbert Wilson, 88, died on Sunday morning, May 16, 2021 at his home of natural causes surrounded by family.

John, known as "Sunny" to family and friends, was born January 11, 1933 to the late John Hurlock and Margaret Jackson Wilson, the youngest of three. He began his education at Coleman Elementary School and graduated from Henry Highland Garnett High School in Chestertown. Garnett's Class of 1951 was the first class to attend 12 years of secondary school. It was at Garnett High that he discovered his lifelong love of music under the tutelage of Mr. Roy F. Knight.

"Sunny" accepted a full scholarship to Maryland State College (now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore) in Princess Anne, Maryland. He continued developing his musical talents singing tenor on the college choir until he graduated with a degree in Bachelors of Arts in Music in 1955. He also pledged the Delta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. while in school.

John married the love of his life, the former Grace Louise Cole of Still Pond on May 10, 1956. Four beautiful children were born to this union; three sons and a daughter. He passed his love of music on to his kids. The five of them often played together in a family band with Melvin on drums, John, Jr. on saxophone, Reggie on trombone and Elaine on the clarinet. John on the piano and singing in a voice often described having "perfect pitch."

From 1956 to 1958, John served two years in the Army, and continued his musical experience when he accompanied a five piece musical ensemble. Specialist Third Class (Technical) Wilson served overseas in Munich, Germany as a Radio Operator with Headquarters and Service Company, 370th Armored Infantry Battalion. German troops nicknamed this historic unit the "Black Devils" in World War I. SPC3 (T) Wilson earned the Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged in 1958.

After a brief career in construction with Delaware Local 199, he began his career as a music teacher in Hurlock, Maryland in 1960. He went on to teach at Cambridge High School from 1967 to 1969. He assumed the position of music instructor at the newly integrated Chestertown High School in 1970 and then Kent County High School after it was built. John finished his career in education at Chestertown Middle School when severe hearing loss forced him into early retirement.

His musical influence extended to his beloved church as he founded several groups: the Coleman Gospel Singers, the Coleman/Still Pond Charge Mass Choir, the Men of Union and the Sanctuary Choir of Union United Methodist Church.

John was predeceased by his parents, his son Reginald Lee Wilson, Sr. and sister Geraldine S. Fenwick.

John is survived by many who cherish beautiful and sunny loving memories: His loving wife of 65 years, Grace Wilson; two sons, John and his wife, Yolanda and Melvin and his wife, Sheila; one daughter, Elaine; seven grandchildren: Melvin, Jr., Melody, Reginald, Jr., Lisa, Jasmine, Emmanuel, and Julianna; seven great-grandchildren Justice, Messiah, Aliyah , Rymir, Logan, Micah and Isis; one sister, May Anna Phillips; one aunt, Florine Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.

Bennie Smith Funeral Home of Chestertown is entrusted to serve the Wilson family. Funeral services for John Elbert Wilson, Sr. will be held Friday, May 28th at Bennie Smith Funeral Home in Chestertown. Public viewings will be held on Thursday, May 27th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and on Friday, May 28th from 9:00am to 11:00am followed immediately by the 11:00am funeral service at the chapel. Services of Committal and Interment with Military Funeral Honors will be rendered at Union United Methodist Church Cemetery in Worton, Maryland. The service will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page to supplement limited seating due to COVID protocols in the chapel.

Letters of condolence may be sent & guest book signed at www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com