Lois May Wilson Young

Lois May Wilson Young, a daughter of Vermont and of the Almighty, entered eternal life on March 19, 2026, borne by her faith and anticipating joyful reunions with many loved ones.

Born September 29, 1933, in Stamford, CT, to Earle and Carrie Merchant Wilson, Lois spent an idyllic childhood at the Corinth, VT farm that had been in her father's family since 1817. Caring for the family livestock, gardening and learning the domestic arts from her parents and elder sister, the late Elaine Braman, of Chelsea, VT, imbued Lois with skills she used for the rest of her life to care for her family and community.

The abrupt deaths of both her parents in 1946 propelled Lois into self-sufficiency at an early age. As a newly orphaned teenager, Lois converted to Christianity at the behest of her paternal aunt, Alice Washburn, establishing a lifelong faith. She graduated in 1952 from Bradford (Vt.) Academy and then in1956 from The Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing with an R.N. and from Providence Barrington Bible College in 1957 with a B.A. in Bible and Missions. She married on June 15, 1957, at the Corinth Bible Church, the family's longtime spiritual home in the highlands of central Vermont. Though the union dissolved in 1987, Lois cultivated close relationships with her four children, and in turn, her six granddaughters.

In 1984, she settled in Derby, VT and developed a tight-knit community centering around Derby Community Church, where she sang in the choir; supported the music and mission ministries; and led Sunday School classes and Bible studies. She enjoyed friendships among her neighbors on Lake Salem; her gardening club; and through her profession as an intensive care nurse. Lois created lasting memories with her granddaughters, canoeing on Lake Salem and coaching them through the basics of baking. An accomplished seamstress, Lois also was adept at knitting and crocheting. Lois traveled extensively, always appreciating the natural wonders in which she saw God's hand. She pursued flower arranging, watercolor painting and hospitality, inviting family and friends to enjoy the beautiful lake setting of her home, which she attributed to God's blessing.

Besides her parents and sister, Lois is predeceased by son Michael John Young, in 2005; daughter Melanie Ann Young, in 2024; brother Roger Wilson; and cherished in-laws, Lempi and Alfred Young.

She is survived by brother Elwin Wilson and his beloved wife, Shirley; daughter Joanne Young Cleaver (Mark); son Edwin Mark Young (Heide); granddaughters Samantha Cleaver; Stephanie Cleaver Six; Elizabeth Cleaver; Cassandra Young; Julia Pawlik; Melissa Young Wiano; eight great-grandchildren; numerous affectionate nieces and nephews; her church community in Derby, VT, and family friend Warren Davis. The family especially thanks the staff at Taylor Glen, in Concord, NC, where Lois spent the last six years of her life, for their unfailing kindness and exemplary care. Services are pending; for details, please contact Derby Community Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Taylor Glen/Baptist Retirement Homes, in Winston-Salem NC (https://www.thrivemorenc.org/giving).