Allen Benard Wilson Jr.

Allen Benard Wilson, Jr. was born on January 19, 1999, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Elder Allen B. Wilson, Sr. and Lady Jacqueline S. Wilson. On Friday, December 5, Allen peacefully transitioned from this life in the early hours of the morning.

Allen graduated from East High School in Buffalo, New York, in 2017. From an early age, his interest in music was evident, first debuting in the Wilson kitchen as he banged rhythmically on neatly arranged pots and pans. As his fascination with music grew, rhythmic patterns began to fill the home. AJ accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a young age. Gifted by God with a natural ear for music, Allen's talent blossomed throughout his pre-teen and teenage years as he observed other musicians exercising their gifts within the Fire Baptized Holiness (FBH) churches-first locally, then district-wide, and eventually across the National FBH Church.

Beginning at Gray's Chapel in Salisbury, North Carolina, Allen's curious fascination with drums continued to grow as his parents were appointed to serve in ministry. While attending Fuller's Memorial Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia, God blessed AJ to further develop his musical abilities at Macedonia FBHC in Wilmington, North Carolina; New Macedonia in Buffalo, New York; and St. Matthew FBHC in Columbus, Ohio, where he later served as Director of the Music Department. In 2010, AJ began experimenting with the bass guitar, which ultimately sparked his interest in playing the keyboard.

AJ, also affectionately known as "Big Al," developed a deep love for sports-especially football. His passion for the game grew throughout his youth and into his high school years, where he played on the combined East High School Wildcats and Bennett High School Tigers football team. Through strong coaching and teamwork, he became a formidable defensive tackle and, more importantly, a student, classmate, and friend who touched many lives in a profound way. His favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Alabama Crimson Tide, and the Los Angeles Lakers-champions in his eyes.

God's gift and AJ's love for music allowed him to joyfully share his talent before thousands across many musical genres. His ear was extremely sensitive to sound, and in his own Allen/AJ/Big Al way, he made sure it was known. He was an integral part of his family's ministry, The Wilson Family – Part II, drawing inspiration from the original Wilson Family ensemble consisting of his father, uncles, and aunts; St. Matthew FBH Church; the Northeast Ohio District; and numerous National Fire Baptized Church functions.

Most recently, AJ faithfully served as bass guitarist for Walk In The Word Ministries and Canaan Manifested Word Church. He also played for various gospel artists and groups, including Jermaine Dolly, Jekalyn Carr, Kierra Sheard, Kelontae Gavin, Lisa Page Brooks, Gregory Watkins and The Chorale, and the Baptist Pastors' Conference of Columbus, where he served with the support of his best friend and producer, Jonathan Burger. AJ loved being part of the FBHC Youth Congress Workshop Choir Band, where he formed lasting bonds with youth and adults throughout the YPI and the FBHC at large. In addition to gospel music, AJ played jazz and R&B and was a member of the bands Tha Krew and Maestro Sound.

AJ was also called to collaborate with Mr. Shawn Bankston as an instructor in the Music Production Program at All THAT in Columbus, Ohio. He was employed by Allied Universal Security, where he worked as a security guard.

Allen was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. Jimmy and Rev. Mary Sanders and Mr. Lawrence and Mrs. Dorothy Wilson; his godfather, Mr. Marty Burns; his aunt, Minister Doris Jenkins; and his uncle, Mr. Ricky Kindle.

Allen leaves to cherish his memory his loving parents, Elder Allen B. Wilson, Sr. and Reverend Jacqueline Wilson; his godmother, Ms. Carolyn Burns; two siblings, Minister Sorriah Wilson and Minister Isaiah (Taryn) Wilson; uncles, Minister James (Clarissa) Wilson, Minister Lawrence (Donese) Wilson, Jr., Danny Jenkins, Reverend Keith (Asree) Sanders, and Pastor Trammell (Gloria) Sanders; aunts, Minister Sharon Walker, Ms. Denise Fleming, Minister Janice Derr, and Pastor Joycelyn Sanders; a host of cousins and friends; a special friend, Miss Diamond Barber; an adopted aunt, Dr. Pat Akers; and grandparents, Bishop Willie and Apostle Karen Smith.

Allen, along with his siblings, was embraced into many extended family circles, where he will be lovingly remembered as a grandson, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is also forever welcomed into a special brotherhood of musicians.

AJ deeply loved his family and friends and often made sure you left his presence with laughter and a thoughtful word. He will forever be remembered as our "Gentle Giant." Though he is no longer physically with us, his humor, radiant smile, and awe-inspiring giftedness will live on in our hearts always.