Doria Wilson

Doria “Dollie” Wilson was born on December 5, 1936, in Abbeville, Mississippi, to the late Arther Gipson and Robirta Mae Jones Gipson. She later met the love of her life and soulmate, the late George Wilson and together, they moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to begin building a beautiful life.

At a young age, Dollie gave her heart, mind, soul, and spirit to Jesus Christ, joining Israel Missionary Baptist Church. She later became a faithful member of Philippian Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Billy C. Holt. Following God’s guidance, she continued her spiritual journey at New Brighter Day Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member until her health no longer allowed her to attend.

Dollie had a deep love for singing and a beautiful voice to match. “Trouble in My Way” and “I Surrender” were amongst two of her favorites. She would sing wherever she went — on the bus, in the store, in her kitchen and if it was your birthday, she would even sing to you Happy Birthday. Dollie could always be heard lifting her voice in praise to the Lord.

She was a true servant and faithfully served on the Missionary Board alongside her Road buddy, her Gossip buddy, her Fussing back and forth buddy, but most of all, her loving buddy, Norma Harper. For years, they traveled ensuring the less fortunate and the sick and shut-in were cared for and never forgotten. Her service extended to the Kitchen Committee, Mother Board Committee, Pastor’s Aide Committee, and she generously opened her own kitchen to cook whenever the church kitchen was unavailable.

Beyond her church work, Dollie opened her home to anyone in need of a good meal, and to this day, people still talk about her cooking. From her coleslaw to her dumplings, her fried chicken and fried fish, her greens, brown beans, and countless other dishes remain unforgettable favorites because each meal was cooked with love.

Her love extended to all who knew her, but it was especially evident in the care she gave to children. Caring for children brought her immense joy, and she possessed a natural gift for nurturing and guiding them. And although she did not have children of her own, she cared for every child entrusted to her as if they were. In her presence, children felt not only deeply loved, but also safe and comforted because she exuberated joy.

Dollie loved life — she loved to laugh, she loved to sing — but most of all, she loved God.

She would frequently say " if you can't say nothing else, just say, Lord have mercy and God will see you through." And she was right, God will surely see us through. She was honesty one of a kind and to know her was to truly love her. She became a mother figure to so many throughout her years and Johnetta, Calvin (Jabo), James Lee, and Johnny were amongst a few that she raised and cared for with unwavering love, following God’s instruction and guidance. She loved her nieces and nephews beyond measure, especially Jabo, as he was her favorite. She would often act as if Johnetta was, but that was only because she lived with her and didn't want no smoke in the household. But, Dollie would do anything within her power for her family (especially that Jabo. I mean, don't get me wrong, she would do for Johnetta, too, but only after she asked Jabo). Dollie truly cared for others with a genuine and selfless heart (especially, that, darn, Jabo 😊).

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Wilson; her mother and father Robirta and Arther Gipson, her nephews, Johnny Adams and Dereal Gipson; and a host of other beloved family members.

She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy: her daughter/niece Johnetta Johnson; nephews Calvin Adams and James Lee Adams; sisters Shirley May Pegues, Ethel Mae Adams, Josey Dukes, and Earleen Gipson; brothers Henry Charles “Hicky” Gipson, Henry Earl “Dick” Gipson, and James Gipson; along with a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Dollie’s life was a testimony of love, service, faith, and generosity. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.