Wilhelmina Wilson

Wilhelmina Wilson was born on June 26, 1931, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the youngest of seven children born to Gertrude Helen Richardson and Reverend William Cleveland Brown, Pastor of Ararat Baptist Church. She graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1949 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Duquesne University in 1955. Breaking barriers early in her career, she was among the first eight Black teachers hired by the Pittsburgh Board of Education. In 1958, she married Kermit Edwards and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she dedicated decades to the Cleveland School system. She became a permanent teacher in 1961 and retired in 1988. Wilhelmina was particularly proud of her work as Head Reading Consultant for Behavior Research Laboratories of Palo Alto, California, where she trained educators in Sullivan Programmed Reading Materials, a forerunner to modern charter schools. Later in life, Wilhelmina’s journey brought her to Florida. While playing bridge at the Senior Citizen Center in Winter Springs, she met Kennedy Wilson. Under Pastor Eugene’s encouragement, they married in June 2004. Wilhelmina embraced her role as stepmother to Kennedy’s adult children and cherished being a grandmother. She remained married to Kennedy until his passing in April 2008. She was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and The Lion’s Club of America. In Florida, Wilhelmina’s devotion to her faith deepened significantly. She studied scripture through the International Bible Study Fellowship for seven years and continued rigorous daily study independently until her passing. She spent several hours each morning in fellowship with God and took great joy in sharing scriptures with family and close friends. An avid reader and writer, Wilhelmina generously shared her knowledge with everyone she loved. She will be dearly missed by her stepchildren Susan Giarruto, Patricia Gay, and John Wilson; her dear friend Dale Raynard Fredrick; her dedicated caregiver Sharron McCloud; and her many grandchildren, great-nieces, and family members. Condolences & Prayer for Family - Pastor Eugene R. Smith On behalf of the family, thank you for being here today. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Karen Kaul for her many years of friendship, countless trips to the doctor and church services, and for being an amazing friend. When we gather for services like this, we’re reminded of life’s brevity and frailty. As we come together, I want us to remember, honor, and celebrate the life of Wilhelmina Wilson.

Wilhelmina Wilson

June 26, 1931 - January 24, 2026