Jonathan Wilder

Jonathan Mayo Wilder lived a life marked by faith, integrity, fairness, service, and love. He

embodied Micah 6:8"What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to

walk humbly with your God." His life was a testimony to these words. He gave generously of

his time, wisdom, and compassion, building bridges of justice and kindness wherever he went.

His legacy is one of humility, devotion, and steadfast love, inspiring all who were blessed to

know him.

Born September 15, 1948, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to educators Jonathan Mayo Wilder, Sr.

and Johnsie Rogers Wilder, Jonathan's journey reflected integrity and purpose. Jonathan

grew up in Rusk and Beaumont, Texas and cherished the times he journeyed to North Carolina

to spend summertime with his adoring grandmother, Mama Nora and his Wilder cousins.

After graduating from Hebert High School in Beaumont, Texas, his family relocated to

Houston so that he could pursue a higher education at the University of Houston. Jonathan

later on earned his master's degree. His career spanning service in the Dallas/Fort Worth

Police Department, Texas Commission on Human Rights, Austin Community College, Texas

Youth Commission, and Texas Department of Transportation, was defined by his pursuit of

justice and equity throughout the State and the Nation.

Jonathan's faith anchored his life. At Holy Cross, he served faithfully as Chair of the Saint

Vincent de Paul Society and in the Welcoming Ministry, extending mercy and hospitality to

countless lives. His reach extended across the Diocese and into his community, where he

stood as a beacon of fellowship and fairness. Alongside his beloved wife, Janis, Jonathan also

worshiped at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where together they deepened their spiritual walk.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Janis DeGrate Wilder; his son, Brian D. Wilder (Laura) of

Oakland, CA; bonus children, Derek Smith and Barbie Smith of Houston, TX; his cherished

grandson, Prince Chris Thaddeus Biscette of Houston, TX; his siblings, Cabrini Taylor (Michael)

of Lenexa, KS, and Virdel Edwards (LaTrisa) of Dallas, TX; nephews, Jason Potter, Joshua Potter

(Haley), Virdel Edwards II, Kelven D. Williams; nieces, Anitra V. Johnson, Rashida V. McKnight

Strode, and Meka S. Morris Clark; special sister-in-love, Jessie Wilborn (Emmitt); longtime

friends, John Benoit and Kirven Powers, and a host of family and friends who loved him dearly.

Jonathan's was a life well-lived, race well-run, a faith well-kept. He now rests in the arms of

the Lord, leaving us an enduring example of service, faith, and love.