Diane Wilson

Diane Consuela Wilson was born May 3, 1944, the only daughter of James Wilson and the late Martha Pollidore Wilson. On February 16, 2016 Diane went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer she died at Norwalk Hospital with her loving daughter, Sonya at her side. She was educated in the local school system of Norwalk, Connecticut and was a member of the first graduating class from Brien McMahon High School. Because of her stellar achievements in education and life she was inducted into the Brien McMahon High School Hall of Fame in May 1999. After graduating high school in 1962, Diane continued her education at Central Connecticut State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Psychology and a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist from the University of Bridgeport. In addition, she obtained a Sixth Year Degree in Administration and Supervision from Fairfield University. She was an educator in the Stamford, Connecticut Public School System as a teacher, reading consultant and administrator and served as an Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Norwalk Community College. Diane was the Principal of Wolfpit Elementary School in Norwalk, Connecticut from July 1989 until June 2001. After more than 30 years in public school education, she retired and engaged herself in full-time ministry in addition to caring for her aging parents. Diane C. Wilson was called by God to the Ministry of Evangelist and Teacher. She was ordained into the Gospel Ministry on October 24, 1993 at the Grace Baptist Church by the late Rev. Dr. Richard H. Wood, becoming the first woman ordained since the establishment of the church in 1892, an historic distinction of which she was very proud. Rev. Wilson served in many ministerial capacities and was the Interim Assistant to the Pastor at the Union Baptist Church, Stamford, Connecticut under the leadership of the Senior Minister, The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Perry. She also served as the Chairperson of Christian Education, and as a Teacher Training Facilitator. She taught Bible Study and Discipleship Classes which was a great love of hers. Rev. Wilson had a deep love for and vast knowledge of the Church. Her wealth of church experience has included: Associate Minister, Bible Class Instructor, founder and Executive Director of Project Excellence, an academic enrichment program for elementary students, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, Pastoral Search Committee, Member and Musician for the Gospel Chorus and Christian Education Consultant at Grace Baptist Church. Rev. Wilson was a Charter Member of the Canaan Institutional Baptist Church under the pastorship of the late Reverend John P. Ball. There, she served as a member and secretary of the Trustee Board, Pastor’s Aide Society, Church School Teacher, and Minister of Music. Rev. Wilson was also the co-founder of the “Women’s Fellowship of Norwalk.” As an Evangelist and Teacher, Rev. Wilson has ministered as a Conference, Retreat and Seminar Leader, Christian Education Consultant and Minister of Music throughout the states of Connecticut, Alabama and California. Reverend Wilson was affiliated and made an impact with many professional and community organizations including Norwalk Hospital Board of Trustees; I Have a Dream, Board of Directors; Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission, Education Committee Chair; Salvation Army, Advisory Board; Fairfield University Graduate School of Education Advisory Board and President of the Board of Directors for Grace Academy-Project Excellence. Rev. Wilson leaves to cherish her memories, her father, James Wilson; one daughter, Sonya McClain and her husband, Kendon; five grandchildren, Jonathan (Montrecia), LaKenya, Shanita, Kendra and Kendon, Jr.; several great grandchildren; a brother, Darryl; nieces, nephews, cousins and many loving friends and church families and her beloved pet companion Nelson. Visitation will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM followed by a service of celebration at 11:00 AM at Union Baptist Church, 805 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT. with Reverend Robert W. Perry officiating. Services entrusted to Downer Funeral Home. Reverend Wilson’s favorite scripture is found in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”