Virginia Waunita Wilson

Virginia was born on March 8, 1931 in Monroeville, Ind. to parents Robert and Gladys Black. The youngest of four children, Virginia was fond of telling stories of running and playing in her hometown as a child. She made the move out West in the late 1940s when she settled in Bakersfield, Calif. Never one to sit idle, Virginia immediately began working at local businesses within the community – most notably, the iconic Woolworth’s department store in downtown Bakersfield in 1951 and, again, in 1959, as well as Rupp’s Drive-In in 1966 and the Jolly Kone in 1968.

On Nov. 2, 1952, Virginia married the love of her life, Thomas “Tommy” Franklin Wilson Jr. in Las Vegas, Nev. The couple welcomed their first child, Diana, the following year in 1953, followed by a daughter, Donna Fay, who passed shortly after birth. Virginia and Tommy were blessed with two more children, Darlene in 1958 and Thomas in 1961. The couple was married for 56 years until Tommy’s passing in July of 2009.

Though Virginia will always be remembered by her family for her big hugs and loving, vivacious personality, she is best known in the community for owning and operating Wilson’s Delight on Morning Drive for 30 years with her husband. Her customers and employees often remarked that she treated everyone like family and was renowned for her business sense.

During her spare time, Virginia enjoyed traveling with her husband by RV to visit family across the country, including Alaska and Pismo Beach, Calif. Her signature laugh and welcoming spirit will be missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, Tommy; a daughter, Donna Fay; one sister, Annabel Black; and two brothers, Robert Black and Stanley Black. She is survived by three children, Diana Estrada (Loren), Darlene O'Neil (Darren), Thomas Wilson IV (Linda); seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Viewing will be at the Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023, followed by graveside service at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

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