Jean McCalley Brewster Wilson

Jean McCalley Brewster Wilson, Birmingham, died on May 2, 2014. She was born in Birmingham to Charles and Birdie Jean Moragne McCalley on October 29, 1912. Mrs. Wilson spent her school days in Gadsden, Alabama, and graduated from Gadsden High School. Her college years were spent at The Castle, an Episcopal Junior College in Tarrytown, New York, and Birmingham-Southern College, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. Following college, she made her Birmingham debut and was presented at Redstone.

Jean’s adventurous nature and insatiable curiosity led her to a variety of exciting life experiences. Two favorite highlights as a young adult included flying with Captain Eddie Rickenbacker of World War One fame in the first tri-motor plane and dancing with Admiral Richard Byrd, the famous South Pole explorer. After marrying Lent Brewster, she delighted in raising their two daughters and supporting his duties as Vice President and Business Manager of Howard College. She was also proud of her work as a Red Cross volunteer and as a St. Vincent’s nurse’s aide during World War Two. Upon Lent’s early and unexpected death, Jean entered the workforce as an executive secretary for numerous businesses in Birmingham and later enjoyed selling the latest fashions at the Mountain Brook Burger Phillips. During this time, she was actively involved with the Business Women’s Unit at the Church of the Advent. Upon retirement, she discovered a passion for traveling and only a few countries were left on her list to visit. After her children married, Jean had the joy of marrying her high school sweetheart, Billy Wilson. They enjoyed living in Gadsden, traveling, and, most especially, attending Auburn football games. When Jean and Billy moved to St. Martin’s in the Pines, she maintained her zest for life and was often the first one on the bus to explore new sights. Jean lived in the apartments at St. Martin’s for nineteen years and was usually one of the first people to welcome new residents to her beloved community.

She was predeceased by her parents, husbands Lent Sherrod Brewster and William Driver Wilson, her daughter Jean Sherrod Brewster McManis, her sister Lucy Winston McCalley Mitchell, and her brother Robert Lanford McCalley.

She is survived by her daughter Barbara Ruth Brewster, Birmingham, AL; four grandchildren: Robert McManis (Ann) Mukilteo, WA; Ruthie McIntosh (David), Alexandria, VA; Anna Callner, Kamuela, HI; and Drew Callner, Birmingham, AL; three great grandchildren: Elizabeth McIntosh, David McIntosh, and Jack McManis; niece: Elizabeth Mitchell Raymond (Andy), Cary, NC; six nephews: John Mitchell, Cary, NC; Joseph Mitchell, Jr., Tampa FL, Lanford McCalley (Brooks), Winston McCalley (Heather), Charles McCalley (Lee Anne), and Will McCalley (Anna Ruth) all of Birmingham; sister-in-law Lenora McCalley, Birmingham; goddaughter Caroline Marbury Bright (Carl), Florence, AL; and eleven great nieces and nephews. Mrs. Wilson’s life was also blessed with many close friends whom she loved like family. The family would like to thank each of her caretakers for their loving care of Mrs. Wilson. Deep gratitude goes to Dr. Harold Simon, St. Martin’s staff, and the staff of Evercare Hospice for their vigilance, respect of her needs, and wise guidance. Special thanks to Vickie Pauling and Karolyn Hough-Taylor for their exceptional support and tender care during her final year.

She will be remembered for her strong faith and deep love of family. Her amazing memory, sense of humor, courageous and truthful spirit, engaging storytelling ability, and passion for the Gulf of Mexico will be missed by all who knew her. It was often said that she never met a stranger, and her optimistic view of life was an inspiration to those around her.

Funeral service will be at the Episcopal Cathedral of the Advent on Saturday, May 24 at 11:00 AM with Reverend Craig Smalley officiating. Family visitation will be 10:00 AM in Clingman Commons. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials may be made to the Episcopal Cathedral of the Advent, St. Martin’s in the Pines, Alabama Cursillo, the American Heart Association, or any preferred charity.