Delores Irene Wilson

Delores Irene Wilson was born on June 15, 1938, in Welch County, West Virginia. She was the second of five children born to the late James V. and Martha J. Wright. Delores attended D.C. Public School and graduated from Spingarn High School in 1956. She further pursued her education at Bluefield College in West Virginia, graduating in 1960 with a BA degree in Biology. During her college years, she also became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta.

After graduating college, her life took an unexpected and meaningful turn. In 1961, while attending a performance at the Howard Theater, a friend introduced her to Elijah Wilson, a colleague he was stationed with in London. They were married on September 28, 1962, and on April 6, 1965, welcomed their only child, Leslie Wilson.

Delores had a distinguished 26-year career with the District of Columbia Government. She began her career teaching in the DC Public School system and later served as a counselor at the Children’s Center Institute. Her professional journey progressed from Social Worker to Supervisor, Section Chief, and finally to Center Manager of the Capitol East Services Center before her retirement in 1989.

After retiring, Delores and her husband opened a nursery, caring for 6 children from infancy until they were of school age. She then became a dedicated caregiver for her mother while also taking care of her bonus grandchild, Salisa Goffney. Throughout her life, she generously used her gift of caring for others, assisting numerous family members during times of illness. Her life was truly one of service, characterized by her steadfast commitment to defending and standing up for what she believed was right.

In her personal time, Delores enjoyed puzzles, cooking, and entertaining her family and friends during the holidays. She loved shopping and was admired for her sense of style and class. She was an excellent dancer enjoying all music especially any song by Johnny Mathis. A devout Catholic since 1971, she was a dedicated member of St. John Baptist de la Salle Church.

Affectionately known to her family as Miss Katie, Aunt Kate, Miss D, and DD, Delores peacefully departed this life on July 11, 2025. Delores will reunite with her parents and four siblings Billy Wright, Gay Wilson, Ann Wingfield and Jane Goffney. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Elijah Wilson, and her daughter, Leslie Wilson along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will always cherish her memory.

A visitation for Delores will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722. A committal service will occur Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make a donation to the Lupus Foundation of America https://www.lupus.org/?form=FUNRTGVASPJ&s_subsrc=button_nav_donate&s_src=lupus.org