Retha Lorene Wilson

Retha Lorene Wilson, 91, of West College Corner, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 4, 2016, at Woodland Country Manor in Somerville, Ohio. Retha was born in in Whitley County, Kentucky, on May 24, 1925, one of twelve children, to Jermie and Mattie Brewer Ellison. On August 28, 1943, she married William “Bill” Wilson in Liberty, IN. Together they enjoyed 42 years of marriage before his death on February13, 1985. Retha attended the Level Green Baptist Church in Corbin, KY, and after moving to Indiana, she became a member of College Corner United Methodist Church where she served as Communion Steward from 1971 to 2009. She also belonged to the Bonner Busy Bees Club. Loving volunteer work, Retha volunteered at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital and at the Oxford Senior Citizens for many years. Retha’s greatest joy was helping others, especially her friends. Retha is survived by three children: Sylvia Franz of Oxford, Gary Wilson and wife, Laurie of Liberty, and Janet Wilson of Richmond; three grandchildren: Patrick Franz, Marla Hogan, and Nathan Wilson; two great-grandchildren: Ella and Eden Wilson; two sisters: Jean Neukam of Brookville and Etta June Walker and husband, Bill of Indianapolis; one brother, Harold Ellison and wife, Linda of Connersville; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Retha was preceded in death by her husband; six brothers: Robert, Charles, Donald, Billy, Kenneth and Raymond Ellison; and two sisters: Lela and Vela Ellison. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at College Corner United Methodist with Revs. Jay and Charlotte Barden officiating. Interment will follow in College Corner Cemetery. Friends my visit at Showalter Blackwell Tilton Funeral Home in College Corner from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, where Memorial Contributions may be made to College Corner United Methodist Church. For more information or to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.