Jane L Wilson

lengthy struggle caused by viral meningitis. Jane was born on November 18, 1937, to Gerald

and Martha Smith Lehmann in Canton, Mississippi where she enjoyed an idyllic childhood.

Upon graduating Canton High School, she moved to Tuscaloosa to attend the University of

Alabama. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Education, then

married fellow educator Dr. Charles E. Wilson in 1960. Her distinguished 25 year career in

education was spent mostly at Berry High School, where she excelled as an 11th grade English

teacher. She was adored and made lifelong friends of colleagues and students. Upon her

retirement from education, she became the senior adult minister at her beloved South Highland

Presbyterian Church. There she realized she had a second life’s-calling where she would again

love her work and her charges. She spent her life in service of others and provided an

inspiration of a life well lived.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her devoted husband of 50 years. She is

survived by her 2 children, Peter Lehmann Wilson (Lisa), of Madison, MS and Josephine West

Wilson Watkins (Jim) of Vestavia Hills, AL. She is also survived by seven loving grandchildren:

Daniel Cooper Wilson (Meagan), Benjamin Wright Wilson (Elizabeth), Matthew Robert Wilson,

Joseph David Wilson (Alyssa), Emily Jane Wilson Jemison (Andrew), and Anna Caroline Wilson

all of Madison, MS and James West Watkins of Vestavia Hills, AL; and 6 great grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service, in her honor, at South Highland Presbyterian Church at

1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10 at 2035 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, Alabama

35205. The Rev. Dr. Edwin G. Hurley will officiate. Reception immediately following.

Jane was instrumental in the establishment of the South Highland Center (a senior adult

daycare.) The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the WILSON family.