Doris Wilson

Mrs. Doris Wilson, born on December 4, 1933, in Starr, South Carolina, was the fourth of nine children from the union of the late Duett Timothy Cowan and Magnolia Clemons Cowan.

As a youth, she acknowledged and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Starr, South Carolina. Doris inherited a strong work ethic from her parents and firmly believed that with prayer and dedication, she could carve a new path for herself beyond the family farm. She often declared, "If anyone else can do it, I can do it!"

In 1950, at the tender age of 17, she graduated from Reed High School in Anderson, SC and attended a nursing program in Memphis, TN. While in the program, she met and married Sergeant James Henry Wilson in 1952. In 1956, they relocated to Indianapolis, IN, where she formed enduring friendships that blossomed on Tallman Street and at New Hope Baptist Church. There, she not only sang in the choir, but also served as an usher. After holding various positions, including working in the nursing department at Indiana University Medical Center, she decided to embark on a new journey with Indianapolis Public School Transportation as a bus driver. Doris cherished her work family and took great pride in safely transporting thousands of children to and from school.

In 1994, Doris retired from IPS, allowing her to dedicate more time to hosting yard sales, completing sewing projects, making homemade jams, and cultivating a beautiful garden filled with her favorite vegetables. A true farm girl at heart, Doris relished the hard work involved in maintaining her lawn and spending time outdoors. In 1998, she embarked on her first international flight to Hamburg, Germany, where she thoroughly enjoyed the warm hospitality of the people, the delectable food and pastries, and the intriguing experience of the autobahn.

For the final 26 years of her life, Doris embraced numerous joyous occasions, from births and graduations to marriages and homeownerships. She delighted in attending Broadway shows and frequently visited New York, Alabama, and South Carolina. A particularly special moment was celebrating her 90th birthday during Thanksgiving 2023, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Doris lived her life with remarkable strength and courage, often sharing her valuable financial wisdom with those around her. Her smile, joy, motivational mottos, and doses of tough love were things everyone grew to appreciate.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, her wings were ready to take her to new heights and she departed this life peacefully outside gazing at her beautiful yard. She is proceeded in death by her parents, 7 siblings, Augustus, Bessie Ann, James, Robert, Quinton, Roscoe, Virginia and 1 son, Audie Wilson. 

Mrs. Doris Wilson, leaves cherished memories to her sister, Mrs. Narcio Mauldin of Anderson, SC; 2 daughters, Angelis (Michael) Mason, Seneka (Neal) Johnson of New York, NY; 2 sons, Searon Wilson, Dewitt (Kathy) Wilson. 15 Grandchildren: Felicia, Shannon, Marcus, Audie, Serita, Latoya, Shawntell, Andrea, Mason, Antwon, Dorianne, Dewitt, Antonio, Klarke Alyse, and Bryce; 19 Great-Grandchildren; 7 Great-Great Grandchildren; a host of loving nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends.