February 10, 1933 – November 11, 2022
Daphne was preceded in Death by her parents John Edwin Brooks, Ethel Beatrice (Smith) Brooks, husbands Joseph Charles Edwards, and Richard Allen Wilson. Daphne was born in the City of London, England on the 10th of February of 1933. After the war she resumed schooling at Sir John Cass in September 1945 and in 1947 obtained a student leadership role as Head Girl. After school she joined an Accordion Band and loved to perform “La Compasita”. She won a scholarship to Pitman’s College where she passed her shorthand exams with honors. Due to her success in shorthand she taught night classes at Pitman’s College.
Daphne loved to Dance at Lyceum ballroom and one Christmas met Patricia’s Father Joseph Charles Edwards, a GI stationed in Germany. She invited him home for Christmas lunch. In 1960, Daphne was visiting LA and was invited by Joe to visit El Paso, TX. Shortly after Daphne telegrammed home asking, “Essential to our happiness to have your blessing” and on October 5, 1960 they were married. A year later she received her visa, moved to the USA. Daphne and Joe’s child, Patricia, was born on July 14, 1963. Unfortunately, Joe passed away on May 2, 1969. Daphne and Patricia would share a life long mother daughter bond that was unbreakable.
In 1969 Daphne joined the DBE (Daughters of the British Empire) an organization for women who had immigrated to the USA. Daphne became President of the El Paso branch. Daphne met many lifelong friends through the DBE.
Daphne worked for the EPNG (El Paso Natural Gas Company), where she met her husband Richard Allen Wilson. Richard and Daphne were married at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church on January 30, 1970. They were avid golfers and were members of the Santa Teresa Country Club. Daphne was proud to have shot a hole in one. For many years Daphne and Richard served as Chairpersons of the Military Host Family Program at Fort Bliss and hosted students from many countries including Greece, Taiwan, and Germany.
Daphne and Richard enjoyed activities with the EPNG Retirees’ Group and were Board members of “Showtime El Paso”. Daphne also loved to bowl and dance. Daphne and Richard would enjoy the DDD club monthly dances. Daphne hosted Bunco games and cherished time spent with friends and family. She adored the summers and holidays with her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, the El Paso sunsets, and had a great love for England and her family. Daphne had a wonderful smile and lit up the room wherever she went.
Daphne was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Daphne is survived by:
Daughter: Patricia Jeanette Brooks Guthrie and husband Robert Guthrie,
Stepdaughter: Cynthia Lightfoot and husband Tom Lightfoot
Grandchildren: Brandon Scott Guthrie, Ashley (Guthrie) Freeman, David Allen Guthrie, and Candice Wise
Great-Grandchildren: Colin, Arianna “Daphne”, Hallee, and Casey
Sister: Heather “Fev” Sutton
Nephews: Leslie Bonnyman and Neil Bonnyman
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM (MDT) at Saint Clements Church and Inurnment Service will be 1:30 PM at Fort Bliss Cemetery. Memorial Services will be streamed for those wishing to view and unable to attend.
In lieu of flowers the family will be grateful for donations in Daphne’s memory to Autism Society of America, 6110 Executive Boulevard Suite 305, Rockville, Maryland 20852. (autismsociety.org).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Wilson family.
