Mrs. Wilson was educated in Washington and Natchez, Mississippi as well as Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated in 1951 from Natchez High School where she met her husband to be, Benny Jack Wilson. They married in 1952.
She was foremost a wife, mother, and homemaker. Her other employments were Kress's Department Store, Armstrong Tire and Rubber, Dorothy Harrison Dance Studio, Shepherd and Blossom Shop Florist. She was a member of Faith Community Church formerly known as Good Faith Carr UMC. She was awarded the UMW service pin, was a UMW president for three years, church board member for 15 years, served as secretary, church historian, and active in many church bazaars. In her early life she was a member of Lovely Lane Methodist Church. She and her family helped lay bricks for the new church. This talented lady sewed clothing, cheerleading/majorette uniforms and costumes, Barbie doll clothing. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, paper mâché, canning, painting, refinishing furniture, gardening, and many other crafts. She also expansively researched and recorded family genealogy. She volunteered, supported, and attended each activity her husband and four children were in. She was a caring and good listener to friends and family. She could go from the freezer to the table with a meal for a crowd. Her hands were always working for family, friends, church, and occasionally her own enjoyment. She enjoyed many vacations, camping and fishing at Lake Ouachita. She was often teased for having her picture made with Don Ho in Hawaii and wearing an odd umbrella fishing hat. She enjoyed decorating with over 1000 Santa's at Christmas. She had a place for everything and believed in keeping it there and wasted nothing!
Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Benny Jack Wilson, her sister, Barbara Ann McNeil Mingee, and three brothers, John C. McNeil, Jr., Henry McNeil and George T. McNeil.
She is survived by her sons, Rick (Cam) Wilson of Monticello; Steve (Sheila) Wilson of Mansfield, LA; daughters, Dalene (Mike) of Monticello; Jackie (Mark) Garner of Grapevine. She is also survived by eight grandchildren April Silvey, Casey (Sarah) Stephenson, Seth (Candice) Wilson, Carrie (Stephen) Gray, Stephanie (Brandon) Whann, Josh (Lauren) Garner, Sara Beth (Tyler) Wells, Matt (Amanda) Garner. She was also blessed with 20 great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers are Casey Stephenson, Seth Wilson, Josh Garner, Matt Garner, Tyler Wells, Brandon Whann and nephew, John McNeil.
A special thanks and love to her friends Pam, Vernell, Andrea, Carla and all the loving employees at Grand Manor.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 22, 2023, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Lori Fallon officiating. There will be a visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. preceding the funeral service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cypress Memorial Gardens in Pine Bluff, AR. You can sign Mrs. Billies' guestbook page on this website.
Condolences(10)
Bonita Rainey
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Prayers for the Wilson Family. May God give you comfort as only he can. It was a pleasure taking care of your Mom in her last days. ❤️My Mom remembers you Dad at IP, she heard me say his name and ecstatically said Yes Yes I know him. She has fond memories of him. 🥰
Tracy white
Ravenna, OH Monday, October 23, 2023 So sorry to hear about this. I loved your mom dearly. I love to go in a room and sit there and talk to her. I’m surely going to miss her now when I come in to do my visits. Prayers for your family.Linda. Barnett
Monticello, AR Monday, October 23, 2023 Darlene, so sorry to hear about your Morher’s death. Praying for you & all your family! May GOD give you peace that passeth all understanding!!Linda. Barnett
Monticello, AR Monday, October 23, 2023 Darlene, so sorry to hear about your Morher’s death. Praying for you & all your family! May GOD give you peace that passeth all understanding!!Brenda Hegler
Monticello, AR Sunday, October 22, 2023 Mrs. Dalene, sorry I missed the service, I am still praying for you and family for comfort. Love you sweet ladyLynn Burton
Monticello, AR Sunday, October 22, 2023 My condolences for your great loss! She was a sweet lady and I miss her too. Sorry I can't be with you all today. you are in my thoughts and prayers.Sallie Wilson Draper
North Mankato, MN Sunday, October 22, 2023 Sending my love to my sweet cousins as you say goodbye to Aunt Sue. God bless and comfort you!Butch and Judy Selig
Benton, AR Sunday, October 22, 2023 Sincere condolences to you, Dalene, and all your family. May God bring you comfort and peace during this sad time.Glen Marty Cummings
Benton, AR Sunday, October 22, 2023 I will always have a special place in my heart for you.Lisa Garman Norvell
Euless, TX Saturday, October 21, 2023 Jackie, Dalene, Rick and Steve, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was such a sweet lady, and always kind to me. I'll be keeping you all and your families in my heart and prayers during this sad time.