Helen Jane Wilson

Helen Jane Wilson 90, of Bowling Green, Ky., and a former long-time resident of Poplar Bluff died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 after a long illness. Mrs. Wilson was born July 17, 1921 in Dexter, Mo. She was a graduate of Dexter High School, and Southeast Missouri State where she received a degree in Business Education. Mrs. Wilson taught high school business courses in several high schools, including Poplar Bluff Senior High School, when it was still located in the downtown area. She was also a past Parent Teacher Association president of Mark Twain Elementary, and both a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. She was active in many school, church and community organizations, and was a 50-year member of both Alpha Delta Kappa and Eastern Star. Mrs. Wilson was also a longtime member and officer of Poplar Bluff Travel Study Club, Federated Women's Club, Beta Sigma Phi and Green Thumb Garden Club. She was a member of First Baptist Church, where she and her husband led the Senior Adults Sunday School class for many years, and later served as a longtime pianist and assistant teacher in the preschool department. She relocated to Bowling Green five years ago to be closer to family. In 1948, she married Vencil Wilson, former superintendent of Poplar Bluff Public Schools, for 33 years. Mr. Wilson preceded her in death. Survivors include two children: L.H. Wilson and wife Carol of Alexandria, Va., and Jane Hansbrough and husband, Dr. Randy Hansbrough of Bowling Green, Ky.; three grandchildren: Jack, Andrew and Julie and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Emily. Her parents, Henry and Alma (Day) Scheerer also preceded Mrs. Wilson in death. Visitation will be from 3 - 5p.m. Monday, Feb. 6th at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb.7th in the Funeral Chapel with Dr. William Vail officiating. Burial will follow at the Dexter City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 551 North Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.