Dr. Ida-Lorraine Jules Wilderson

1932 - 2019

Dr. Ida-Lorraine Jules Wilderson peacefully passed away on Friday, January 25, 2019 in her Minneapolis, Minnesota home. Born February 10, 1932 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ida-Lorraine was 86 years old. Predeceased by her parents Emily and Henry E. Jules Sr.; and her five siblings, Adrienne Jules Young, Linda Jules Adams, Inez Jules Davis, Henry E. Jules Jr., and Weldon James Jules. Ida-Lorraine is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Dr. Frank Benjamin Wilderson Jr. She is also survived by her son, Frank Benjamin Wilderson III (62, daughter-in-law Anita Wilkins); daughter, Fawn Elizabeth Wilderson (61); daughter, Amy Althea Cousin (56, son-in-law Tyrone Cousin ); and son, Wayne Henry Wilderson (53); six grandchildren Reba Wilderson, Maarya Cousin, Shaa'ya Cousin, Ijaaz Cousin, Manaal Cousin, and Esau Cousin; and also great-granddaughters Bontle Wilderson, and Violet Ruby Johnson; as well as many relatives and friends. Having graduated from Xavier University Preparatory School (now known as St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School), she attended Xavier University in New Orleans, taught 4 years in the Orleans Parish Public Schools, then went on to study at the University of Chicago. After that, she obtained her Masters Degree in Child Development from the University Of Michigan. Then to the University of California, Berkeley. After that, she went on to receive her PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota. She and Frank and their three young children Frank ("Frankie"), Fawn ("Wanda"), and Amy (6 months old) moved to Minneapolis in 1962. Ida-Lorraine was a Cordinator in the Minneapolis Public School System Department of Special Education, as well a Principal of many of the system's schools. Ida-Lorraine was a Child Development Specialist in the Greater Minneapolis Daycare Association. Upon retiring from the Minneapolis Public Schools, she practiced as a licensed Clinical Psychologist alongside her husband. She was a Founding Member of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of the Links, Inc.; a proud Member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA); President of both Minnesota and Minneapolis chapters of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus; Life Member of the Mpls/St. Paul Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc. since 1999. Served as their Editor of the Chatterbox/Chatterletter. Worked on this committee as Chair and Co-Chair until 2018. Twin Cities Chapter of Jack & Jill; a Board Member of the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library; Board Member of the Overseers for the St. John's University School of Theology and Seminary; a Member of the Twin Cities Motorhome Camping Club; a Member of the Board of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. She and her husband Frank were co-Chairs of the Archdiocese Annual Catholic Appeal; a Member of the League of Women Voters; Vice-President of the Urban League; she was long-time Member of the Basilica Choir; a Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; an experienced notary public and loan signing agent; and a Member of the Parish Council of The Basilica of St. Mary's Catholic Church. She traveled extensively with her family throughout the USA, Europe, Russia, and Asia, giving talks on child development and education. She is missed by family, friends, and many associates. There will be a visitation Friday, February 22, 2019, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Estes Funeral Chapel, 2201 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411, estesfuneralchapel.com. The funeral will be Saturday, February 23, 2019, 11:00 am, The Basilica of Saint Mary, 1600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Saint Vincent De Paul Shoe and Coat Ministry at The Basilica of Saint Mary, https://mybasilica.mary.org/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=204; or Xavier University of Louisiana, http://www2.xula.edu/alumni/howtogive.html.