Virginia Elaine Wiseman-Pharr Wilson

1930 - 2019

Mrs. Virginia Elaine Wiseman-Pharr Wilson 88, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at her home after an extended illness for years. She was born in Salisbury to the late Frank Pharr and the late Tryphina Wiseman. “Gin” as she was affectionately called, graduated from J.C. Price High School and went on to attend Livingstone College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a concentration in Psychology. She was raised by her grandmother in Rowan County and attended a one-room school with other relatives and neighbors. As there was no high school for African-Americans, she migrated back to Salisbury to live with her paternal grandparents, Adolphus and Fannie Pharr. In 1968, Gin joined the Battle Creek School System and served in several positions, including Home School Coordinator, Administrative Assistant and 8th Grade Principal at Northwestern Junior High School. She also worked in guidance and was fervent advocate youth services and development. She and her husband Bill, moved to Battle Creek, Mich. and she began her career path in administration at the Kellogg Conty as the first African-American to hold this position. She was instrumental in starting the alumni association at J.C. Price High School. After many calls and meetings, a charter group of 128 members including Gin, was establisbed June 28, 1986. Gin originally joined Moore's Chapel AME Zion Church in 1943 after transferring from Miller's Chapel AME Zion Church where she was a member of the choir and Sunday School teacher upon her return to Salisbury from Michigan. She was active in the Parent Body Missionary, WHOMS, Altar Guild, Lay Council, Pastor's Aide and Life Members Council. In 2014, she was inducted into the Moore's Chapel Pearl Society. In additon to her parents, Gin was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, William Wilson in 1996. Our dear Gin leaves to cherish loving memories and her honorable legacy, a devoted daughter, Babbette D. Wilson of the home; two step-children, William H. (Margaret) Wilson and Gwendolyn D. Wilson of Orangeburg, S.C.; loving sister, Peggy Mills DuRante; nephews, Paris and Edward DuRante of Queens, N.Y.; and a host of caring relatives, friends and caregivers who were with her til the end. Arrangements: Services will be held Thursday June 27, 2019 at Moore's Chapel AME Zion Church, Salisbury ith vsitation at 10:30 a.m. and funeral at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Salisbury Historic National Cemetery, 202 Goverment Rd. with Rev. Robert Kelly, Pastor, officiating and Rev. Carolyn Bratton, Eulogist. Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.nobleandkelsey.com.