Lillie Mae Wilson

Lillie Mae Wilson, 86, the daughter of Emma Maxwell Gardner and James Gardner, Sr. entered this
life on Jan. 19, 1939 in DeSoto, County, MS. After a brief illness at Firelands Health,
Sandusky, OH, she met her appointment with the Lord, Monday evening, June 2, 2025.
Lillie Wilson was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord and enjoyed sharing her faith. She
attended, East Parish Street, Church of Christ where she served diligently teaching Bible Class
and serving in multiple capacities spreading God's word. She always had an uplifting spirit,
never complained and was always willing to give a personal testimony of how God blessed her
life after turning her life over to Him.
While living in Northern Mississippi, she later met and married the love of her life, Hershel
Wilson, in 1959; they were united in marriage for 55 years. After relocating to Sandusky, OH,
during the same year, she was employed by Providence Hospital as a housekeeping attendant
for several years. During her tenure at Providence, she often demonstrated her love for the Lord.
Spending time with her family and close friends gave her great joy. Her most favorite pastime
was playing Monopoly with her children, especially her grandchildren, and she loved shouting
"Give me my $200," after passing "GO." Three of her favorite movies to watch with her family
were "Antwone Fisher," The Five Heartbeats," and "The Temptations." Her favorite television
shows were, "Judge Judy," "The Price is Right," and "Let's Make a Deal." She also loved
horses which began at an early age and continued through her adulthood.
Lillie was a "beacon of light" and touched the heart of those who came to know her. After being
in her presence for a short time you quickly realized that laughter was a big part of her life. She
loved to talk to people frequently about the Word of God in many of her conversations. She
adored her children and they in turned adored their mother and honored her throughout her
life. Lillie was often heard saying, 'Give me my flowers while I can smell them," and her
children did exactly that.
She leaves to cherish her memory, sons Michael Wilson (Arnetta) of Laurel, MD; Vincent Wilson
(Rayleen) of Charleston, SC; and daughter, Devetea Wilson of Columbus, OH; two brothers,
James Gardner, Jr. (Brenda) of Memphis, TN; Cleophus Gardner (Tammy) of Topeka, KS; two
sisters, Betty Mae Gardner and Cordia Mae Hervey of Memphis, TN; sister-in-law, Hattie Wilson, Sandusky; eight grandchildren, Bryant and Anthony Wilson Sandusky, OH, Alvin
Roberson, Jr. Cleveland, OH; Na'eem Cobb (Nikki) of Washington, DC; Na-kisha and Andre
Wilson Atlanta, GA; Andrea and Danielle Wilson (Newark, NJ); eleven great grandchildren, and
a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James, Sr., and Emma Gardner; husband, Hershel
Wilson; sons, Melvin and Darryl Wilson; brother, Maurice Gardner and sister, Hattie Mae
Hayden;
brothers-in-law Roy Wilson (Annie B), Eugene Wilson (Edna), JP Wilson (Hattie), Elmo
Wilson, Jr. (Lovie) and; sisters-in-law, Ernestine Jones (Nathan), and Anna Lou Wooten (EJ), daughter-in-law, Angela Wilson (Melvin) and grandson Wes Wilson.
Her funeral service will be Thursday, June 12, 2025 at East Parish Street Church of Christ, 1219 E. Parish St., Sandusky, OH. The viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m.; The Celebration of Life will begin at 12 noon. Bro. Stanley Wooten will officiate. Entombment will be at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron.
Toft Funeral Home and Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling the funeral
arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.