Fannie Wilson

Fannie Wilson graced this world with her presence on November 19, 1953, in Columbia, South Carolina. Her mother would eventually relocate to Anniston, Alabama where her health would decline. At an early, tender age, Fannie and her siblings would be placed in the state's foster care system. Fannie would become separated from her mother and older siblings due to her journey through various placements in the system. This journey would shape her tenacity and devotion in loving her family and friends. She eventually found her loving home with Evelyn and William (Bill) Jemison in Ohatchee, Alabama where she accepted Christ into her heart, a testament to her unwavering faith that deepened and grew passionately through life. Fannie exhibited extreme determination despite integration challenges causing a one-year delay in graduation. She excelled in academics and graduated from Ohatchee High School in 1972. Not one to be deterred, she worked to pay her way through nursing school while still living with her foster parents she lovingly called "Mama Evelyn" and "Daddy Bill". At the young age of 19, Fannie would not only continue her studies but travel back to South Carolina to pick up her biological sister's newborn daughter to avoid placement in state custody. Fannie would continue to exhibit her tenacious work ethic and discipline as she embarked on her new journey of raising a newborn baby girl, working, and continuing her studies. Fannie's welcomed decision to return to her forever home in Ohatchee, Alabama would put her on the celebrated path to meeting the love of her life and soulmate, the late Mr. Arthur Rudolph Wilson (Danny) at the N.C.O club at the former Fort McClellan Military Base in Anniston, Alabama. She and "Danny" as she initially and humorously come to know him, would unite in holy matrimony on October 18, 1978. This union would produce two daughters that she loved and cared for dearly. They would travel all over the world to various military station assignments until her foster mother, "Mama Evelyn" became unable to care for herself. With the unwavering support of her husband, Fannie obtained legal guardianship of Mama Evelyn with her stating, "She took care of me. I'm going to take care of her". They established their home and family life in Anniston, Alabama where Fannie would passionately apply the same loving spirit to her flourishing career in the medical field and as a caregiver. She retired from Jacksonville Hospital and continued her work with Calhoun Cleburne Mental Health Systems before retiring in 2018 due to health issues. Her health issues were no match for who she was as a woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and all other roles she served in. With her husband retiring in 2018 as well to ensure she had twenty-four-hour assistance and care, the two would become an even more powerful duo as parents, grandparents, family and friends. They spent time in God's word and presence until Arthur's passing in 2022. Fannie enjoyed unwinding by watching African movies, reading the Bible, and journaling in her spare time as she would continue their established roles and presence. On Monday, May 5, 2025, at the age of 71, Fannie Wilson, a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, transitioned from this life and took the Master's hand and entered eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Wilson; biological mother, Nancy Wright; foster parents, William and Evelyn Jemison; father-in-law, Leroy Wilson; mothers-in-law, Adell Wilson and Ollie Mae Wilson; sister, Barbara Jean Felder; brother Jimmy Mitchell; brothers-in-law, Leroy Wilson Jr., Alton Ray Wilson, and William Earl Wilson. Fannie leaves her precious memories to forever be treasured by her daughters, Rosie Boyd, Yolanda Wilson-Crook (Anthony R.), and Katrina Wilson (Heath Carr); grandchildren, Shakesiha Austin of California, Xavier L. Austin, Devionte' Garrett, Desmond Austin of California, LaSonya Crook, KaMori Wilson-Hall, Adadrionna Crook, Ty'Quorion Hall, Dante' Hall Jr., and Legend Carr; great-granddaughter, Janaii Anise Austin of California; great-grandson due Sept. 2025; brother, Thurmond Wright, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Jimmy (Barbara) Wilson of Connecticut, Willie Moore of Connecticut, Jerry (Lois) Wilson of New York, Ervin Wilson of North Carolina, Julius (Monica) Wilson of North Carolina, and Alvin (Teresa) Wilson of North Carolina; sister-in-law, Shakella (Joseph) Wilson of North Carolina; special family and friends, Verdell Davis, Jr., Christine Davis, Verdell Davis, III, and Ayana Davis; and a host of other family members and friends. Fannie, a strong-willed and loving soul, embraced life with an unwavering commitment to putting others first. To her family, Fannie was a beacon of hope, support, and encouragement, always putting their needs before her own. While we grieve her loss, we find comfort in the many memories.

Tributes

Fannie Wilson

November 19, 1953 - May 5, 2025