Mary Lucille Wilson – Obituary

Mary Lucille Wilson, 90, of Florence, passed away December 22, 2015 at Glenwood Health Care Center. She was a member of Woodmont Baptist Church, serving 17 years as pianist and assistant organist from 1965 until 1982. Mrs. Wilson spent her childhood years in Knoxville, TN, and returned to Florence, AL in 1940 and graduated from Coffee High School in 1942. She served as pianist for various churches since the age of 8; taught Sunday school at various churches from age 16 to 85; was a former director and pianist for the gospel ensemble “The Grace Notes”; was a former member of the Pilot Club of Florence, serving as President three times; and was chosen by the Pilot Club as the first “Compassionate Woman of the Year.” She was also a past member of the American Business Women’s Association serving as President three times; and was a finalist in the Times Daily 2005 “Shoals Woman of the Year.” She was retired from JC Penney Department Store after 51 years of service, and was a retired music teacher. The loves of her life were her Lord, the church, her family, music, and books.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 24, 2015 from 11-12 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jerry Rea officiating and Kevin Reese presenting the music. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park.

Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by her parents, William “Doc” Johnson and Jean Mahatha Johnson; beloved husband, Ralph D. Wilson; sister, Willa Jean Cagle; brothers, Robert and Elmer Johnson; sisters-in-law, Ruth Blackburn, Grace Stults, Jo Johnson, Doris Wilson, and Fay Staggs; brothers-in-law, Eldon and Glenn Wilson, James Cagle, Vernon Stults, and Pearson Blackburn.

She is survived by her sons, Ralph J. Wilson (Lyn), James D. Wilson (Gay); grandchildren, Kim Sprague, Carol Lockette (Jason), Preston Wilson (Julie), and Jay Wilson (Katie); great-grandchildren, Chapin and Wilson Cook, Gentry Sprague, Olivia and Owen Lockette, Sara and Sam Wilson, Jake, Virginia and Fletcher Wilson; great-great-grandchild, Kylee Grace Williams; sisters-in-law, Thelma Oldham (Bob), Mildred Johnson; brother-in-law, Lee Wilson; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to: Woodmont Baptist Church Library or Music Ministry, Pilot Club of Florence Nursing Endowment, or Florence Lauderdale Public Library.