Obituary published on Legacy.com by Troy B. Smith Professional Services on Nov. 3, 2025.
Rev. Gregory Darrell Wilson was born on April 1, 1951 in Saint Paul, Minnesota to Homer Wilson Sr. and Minerva Sanders Wilson. As the firstborn of four children, Gregory embraced his role as the eldest with pride and devotion, always protective, caring, and deeply supportive of his younger siblings.
Gregory accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota. His relationship with God became the foundation for the life he would lead, one marked by compassion, service, and steadfast faith.
He received his early education at Maxfield Elementary School and Como Junior High School, and graduated from Central High School in 1969. At just 14 years old, Gregory began playing the piano for New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Saint Paul, faithfully serving in that role until the age of 18. His musical gifts and spiritual maturity were evident even then, foreshadowing the lifelong ministry that would follow.
After high school, Gregory attended Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota. It was during this season that he answered a higher calling, accepting the Lord's call to preach the Gospel. He was licensed to preach at Shiloh Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Robert Porter. In 1973, guided by the call of God, Gregory made the move to Los Angeles, California to lovingly assist his mother.
A few years later, Gregory and his siblings Roland, Rhonda, and Homer Jr. were blessed with a larger blended family when their father married Ruth Wilson, who became a second mother to them. This union also brought four additional siblings, expanding the circle of love that defined the Wilson family.
In Los Angeles, Gregory became an active and respected figure in his community. He sang with various choirs and was ordained by Rev. O. C. Jones at First Thessalonians Baptist Church, where he continued to share his love for ministry and music. In 1982, Gregory began his career with Amtrak, where he served with excellence and integrity for 33 years, retiring in 2015.
Never one to stop growing, Gregory returned to higher education to complete what he had started decades earlier. In May 2014, he graduated from Vanguard University with his Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies, achieving an outstanding A average throughout his studies. On May 5, 2017, he earned his first Master's Degree in Theology, and on June 5, 2022, he earned his second Master's Degree in Counseling. Both degrees were awarded by Antioch University.
Following his graduation, Gregory began his second career with LA Valley Recovery Center, where he dedicated himself to counseling individuals overcoming substance abuse, continuing his lifelong mission of helping others find hope, healing, and purpose through faith and compassion.
A longtime and devoted member of Faithful Central Bible Church in Los Angeles, Gregory served faithfully on the Altar Ministry for many years. His kindness, humility, and deep love for God's people made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.
On March 31, 2025, Gregory moved to
Houston, Texas, to be closer to his family. On October 26, 2025, he peacefully transitioned from labor to reward, answering his call home to be with the Lord.
Gregory is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Minerva Sanders Wilson and Deacon Homer Wilson Sr., and his brothers Homer Wilson Jr. and Aaron Bennett.
He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Ruth Wilson of Saint Paul, Minnesota, his loving siblings Roland Wilson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rhonda (Rev. Donell) Wright and Elaine Wilson, both of
Houston, Texas, Cynthia (Charles) Butler and Katherine Johnson, both of Florida, and his sisters-in-law Corliss Wilson of Oswego, Illinois, and Kim Bennett of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
He is also lovingly remembered by his nephews Christian, Cameron, Isaiah, Jordan, Chandler, and Joshua, and his cherished niece Kayla, each of whom brought great joy and pride to his life. Gregory's legacy also lives on through a host of extended relatives, church family, and dear friends who will forever celebrate his kindness, faith, and unwavering love.
Among those who held a special place in his heart was his faithful canine companion Corey, who brought him comfort, joy, and companionship through the years.
Gregory's life was one of faith, service, and perseverance, a testament to the power of God's grace and the beauty of a life lived with purpose. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.
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