Lillie Wilson Obituary

Lillie Mae Wilson

Jan 19, 1939 - Jun 2, 2025

Sandusky

Lillie Mae Wilson, the daughter of Emma Maxwell Gardner and James Gardner Sr. entered this life Jan. 19, 1939, in DeSoto, County, Mississippi. After a brief illness at Firelands Health, Sandusky, she met her appointment with the Lord on Monday evening, June 2, 2025.

Lillie Wilson was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord and enjoyed sharing her faith. She attended East Parish Street, Church of Christ where she served diligently teaching Bible Class and serving in multiple capacities spreading God's word. She always had an uplifting spirit, never complained, and was always willing to give a personal testimony of how God blessed her life after turning her life over to Him.

While living in Northern Mississippi, she later met and married the love of her life, Hershel Wilson, in 1959. They were united in marriage for 55 years. After relocating to Sandusky during the same year, she was employed by Providence Hospital as a housekeeping attendant for several years. During her tenure at Providence, she often demonstrated her love for the Lord.

Spending time with her family and close friends gave her great joy. Her most favorite pastime was playing Monopoly with her children, especially her grandchildren, and she loved shouting "Give me my $200," after passing "GO." Three of her favorite movies to watch with her family were "Antwone Fisher," The Five Heartbeats," and "The Temptations." Her favorite television shows were, "Judge Judy," "The Price is Right," and "Let's Make a Deal." She also loved horses which began at an early age and continued through her adulthood.

Lillie was a "beacon of light" and touched the heart of those who came to know her. After being in her presence for a short time, you quickly realized that laughter was a big part of her life. She loved to talk to people frequently about the Word of God in many of her conversations. She adored her children and they in turned adored their mother and honored her throughout her life. Lillie was often heard saying 'Give me my flowers while I can smell them" and her children did exactly that.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Michael Wilson (Arnetta) of Laurel, Maryland and Vincent Wilson (Rayleen) of Charleston, South Carolina; daughter, Devetea Wilson of Columbus; two brothers, James Gardner Jr. (Brenda) of Memphis, Tennessee and Cleophus Gardner (Tammy) of Topeka, Kansas; two sisters, Betty Mae Gardner and Cordia Mae Hervey of Memphis, Tennessee; sister-in-law, Hattie Wilson of Sandusky; eight grandchildren, Bryant and Anthony Wilson Sandusky, Alvin Roberson Jr. Cleveland, Na'eem Cobb (Nikki) of Washington, D.C., Na-kisha and Andre Wilson of Atlanta, Georgia, and Andrea and Danielle Wilson of Newark, New Jersey; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Sr. and Emma Gardner; husband, Hershel Wilson; sons, Melvin and Darryl Wilson; brother, Maurice Gardner; sister, Hattie Mae Hayden; brothers-in-law, Roy Wilson (Annie B), Eugene Wilson (Edna), JP Wilson (Hattie), and Elmo Wilson Jr. (Lovie); sisters-in-law, Ernestine Jones (Nathan), and Anna Lou Wooten (EJ); daughter-in-law, Angela Wilson (Melvin); and grandson Wes Wilson.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025, until the time of Lillie's celebration of life at 12 p.m. at East Parish Street Church of Christ, 1219 E. Parish St., Sandusky. Bro. Stanley Wooten will officiate. Entombment will be at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron.

Toft Funeral Home and Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.