Avis Sue Wilson

Avis Sue (Colen) Wilson was born in Warren, Arkansas on March 11, 1937. She was the eighth child and third daughter of 11 children. Her parents were the Late Eddie Zenobia Neely and Ulysses Simpson Colen, Sr. Avis fell in love and married William Maurice Wilson on September 1, 1957. He preceded her in death on December 4, 2003. Avis and William had three children: Ralph Wilson, Lois M. Kenney, and Ricky M. Wilson. Avis earned an Associate of Arts degree from Shorter Junior College in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957. She and her family moved to Sumter, South Carolina in 1962, where she was a homemaker and part-time Substitute Teacher. Avis and her family moved to San Bernardino, California in 1966, and then to Riverside in 1968, which has been her home for the last 51 years. While raising children Avis worked at JC Penney in the Tyler Mall for nine years and retired from Vons Grocery Store after working there for 22 years. Avis enjoyed traveling and gardening. She was devoted to her family, friends, and her faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Avis passed on June 7, 2019 at Riverside Community Hospital. She is survived by her three children; her son-in-law, Michael D. Kenney; three remaining siblings: Raymond Charles Colen of Warren, Arkansas; Shirley Ann Tolefree of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Dr. John Neely Colen of Sacramento, California, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Wilson family.