Cleona W. Wilson

Cleona W. Wilson made her peaceful transition with the angels on February 3, 2025. Cleona was born in Crawley, LA on June 25, 1933. She was the daughter of Frank and Bessie Winbush. She was a very outgoing and loving person. She never met a stranger. Anytime she was out and needed help with anything, she would always ask the person helping her—“Do you believe in angels? Today, you are my angel. Thank you for your assistance.” 

On September 21st, 1952, Cleona married the love of her life—Charles W. Wilson. They had three children together—Janette, Charles, and Teresa. Cleona loved to travel. Since her husband was in the Air Force, traveling was a common occurrence. The family’s travels led to places like Yuma, AZ, Kansas City, MO, Okinawa, Japan, various portions of England, and Columbus, OH. 

Cleona retired from Mount Carmel East Hospital after many years as a medical transcriptionist. She was a lover of all things artistic. She played the piano for several choirs and groups through the years. As a teenager, Cleona and her twin sister, Leona, sang with the group—The Harmonizing Daughters. They would travel all over the country during the summer with their father performing at different churches and conventions. Cleona’s gift of music allowed her to lead choirs and groups in Japan, England, and several churches in the Columbus Metro Area (Mount Olivet, Christ Memorial, Mount Period, Second Baptist Circleville). Her favorite group was her girls—The Toney Sisters. 

Cleona loved babies. She volunteered to rock babies at Children’s Hospital, daycares, church, home, and anywhere that a baby needed a grandma’s touch. Her most recent hobby was quilting. She was a member of Quilters for Christ—a group of women who made beautiful quilts and donated them to dialysis and cancer patients. 

Cleona is preceded in death by her father, Frank J. Winbush; mother, Bessie (Scott) Winbush; twin sister, Leona (Winbush) Brown; daughter, Janette Wilson. 

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Charles W. Wilson; son, Charles R. (Becky) Wilson; daughter, Teresa M. Ferguson; grandson, Rev. Dr. Charles W. (Myrissa) Ferguson; great-grandson, Charles J. Ferguson, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of close friends from the Berwick neighborhood.

 In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to The Special Olympics in honor of Cleona.