Esther Sarah Whitman Wilson

Mrs. Wilson was born in East Dickinson, New York on March 18, 1913 to the late Burton Leonard Whitman and Effie Jardine Whitman. She was one of eight children born to Burton Leonard Whitman and Effie Maude Whitman of Brushton, New York. She moved to Rochester, New York, where she attended Brockport Normal School, graduating to become an elementary school teacher. Her teaching career ended when she met and married Rev. Morris E. Wilson. For sixty five years she was his devoted wife and helpmate to him as he served as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene. In retirement years, they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to be near their two children. Close friends and relatives fondly called her “the queen,” after the biblical Queen Esther, who found favor with the king. She certainly found favor with all who knew her, Her kindness, wisdom, gentle spirit, home-making skills, Sunday School teaching skills, ability to keep confidences, and her keen wit contributed to her being “one of a kind.” Her home was frequently a haven for those who needed a temporary shelter, her dining table was constantly filled with guests, and she was the family matriarch to all of her seven siblings their spouses and children. She continued to receive cards and calls from those whose lives she had touched up until her death, at age ninety eight. People would ask to be put on her “prayer list” because they felt she had a gift for intercessory prayer and knew that they would be mentioned daily during her time of devotion. To her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren she was a devoted mother, an adored grandmother, Grandma II or Ma II. She is survived by her children, Samantha (Kenneth) Sipes), and Rev. Elmer (Cheryl) Wilson, her grandchildren, Shawn (Hilary) Sipes, Jennifer (Joseph) Talton, Jeffrey (Melissa) Wilson and James (Heather) Wilson, great grandchildren, Samuel, James and Abby Wilson, Bradley and Avery Talton, Emma and Micah Wilson, and Makenzie Sipes, and her brother, Dale Whitman of Orlando, Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Morris Wilson, and her granddaughter, Kimberly Ann Sipes. Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 4000 N. Sharon Amity Rd., Charlotte, 28205 on Sunday February 26, 2012 at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Calvary Nazarene Church to the “Esther Wilson Wilson Mission Fund”. Thanks go to her special caregivers at the Brian Center on Reddman Rd.

Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com.