Carol Dee Wilson

Carol Dee West Wilson, affectionately known as Dee, passed away on November 28, 2025, at the remarkable age of 90. In Kingsville, Texas, she was cherished by her friends as Carol Dee and by her grandchildren as Nanny. Born on November 5, 1935, in Kingsville, she spent her childhood there, graduating from King High School in 1954. Dee’s memories of growing up in Kingsville were filled with fond recollections of cheerleading, horseback riding, and her deep love for Texas history. This South Texas native was a storyteller, always ready to share her tales.

Dee pursued her education at the University of Texas in Austin, where she majored in Education and graduated in 1958. She was a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

In 1964, Dee moved to San Antonio and became an active member of several clubs, including the Military-Civilian Club, the Lantana Garden Club, the Timely Topics Club, the Junior League, and The Forum. Dee was a people person who cherished her friendships and made time for the monthly lunch bunch with her girlfriends.

In 2000, Dee found her soulmate in Joe Wilson, the love of her life. Together, they embraced life and their extended family to the fullest. They embarked on frequent travels, visiting Europe, the Canadian Rockies, Hawaii, Cabo, Cayman, and Cancun. They also explored various battlefields and historic sites in the United States.

Dee was known for her impeccable style, adorned in her signature red lipstick and a warm smile. She had a knack for planning the perfect party and would make you feel special by including you in a conversation with a glass of wine in hand.

Dee, a loving and lively woman, created unforgettable memories. If she felt a bit eccentric, she would hide money in Easter eggs and have you hunt for them on Thanksgiving Day. Or, she might dress up as a witch and have prizes for each grandchild for the pumpkin carving contest.

Dee and her husband, Joe Wilson, hosted numerous Christmas dinners that were attended by all, including many of her grandkids’ friends. As a teacher by nature, she took great pride in teaching her grandkids good manners and providing refresher courses as needed.

Dee’s infectious laughter was a hallmark of her personality. She believed that the most cherished memories should be filled with joy and happiness, not tears. She would often remind her loved ones to keep laughing and enjoy life.

One time, when asked what she would like her grandchildren to remember about her, one of them replied, “Nanny, that’s easy—it’s the way you throw your head back and laugh!” What a wonderful way to be remembered.

Dee is survived by her loving husband, Joe Wilson; her daughter, Renee Kolb, and her husband, Jimmy Nance; her daughter, Tracey Zettner, and her husband, Brian; her son, Martin Lusk; her grandchildren, Austin Kolb, Travis Kolb, and wife Claire, Brett Zettner, Paige Zettner, Taylor Zettner, Jackson Lusk, and Lauren Lusk; her brother, Marty West, and his wife, Wilva West; her niece, Camille Chamberlain, and her nephew, Barclay West; and her wonderful extended family, including Steve and Nancy Wilson, Jeff and Jeannette Wilson, Scott and Scottie Hohensee, Shelli and Matt Packard, and sister in law, Liz Smith.