Matilda Wilson was born Matilda Orr on January 19, 1946 to the late Homer Swopes and the late Arineta Willard in Lawrence County, Alabama. Early in life she confessed hope in God and remained faithful in her service to Christ until her health failed her. Even after relocating and finding a new church home in Maryland where she continued to worship and grow in her walk with the Lord; she remained connected to the church she called home, Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
“Bunny” as she was affectionally called by her family and friends was energetic and popular who had a deep love for music. At Courtland High School, she excelled in the classroom and in her extracurricular activities as cheerleader, basketball player and member of the track team. Upon graduation, she moved to Huntsville, Alabama to study at Drake State Technical College where she met and married her classmate Lawrence Wilson, Sr. To that union a son was born.
Matilda began her professional career as a Cosmetologist working in salons in the late 1960’s. In 1973, she became an entrepreneur and opened her own salon, Sandora Salon of Beauty with former co-owner Loula Davis. Both ladies won numerous state, regional and national awards for Hair and Style. Matilda worked vigorously with The Alabama Association of Beauticians and Barbers as well as with local and state officials to set standards for the field of Cosmetology. Her dedication to her craft and profession helped ensure the safety of clients and professionals. Matilda continued her dedication to style and fashion after relocating to the Washington DC area with her family.
Matilda had an unwavering devotion to sports and was a dedicated fan. She loved her Dallas Cowboys Football Team without fail. Sundays will not be the same without her enthusiastic presence. She also supported the Alabama A&M Football and Women’s Basketball teams. Her love for sports allowed her to pop up at any sporting event where she could land a ticket be it professional football or baseball.
Matilda is survived by her son Lawrence Wilson Jr. of Germantown, Maryland; a sister, Nadine Clopton of Courtland, Alabama; two brothers: Larry Clopton and Le Ronnie Clopton both of Courtland, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Reverend Gary Binford officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace.
Public viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
