Anthony Jerome Wilson

Anthony Jerome Wilson died peacefully at home surrounded and supported by his family on June 8, 2022. Anthony was born on June 30, 1958, in Albion, Michigan to the late Woodrow Wilson Sr. and Lillie Belle Simpson-Wilson. He was the last child born from this union, saving the best for last. He was a native of Albion and a current resident of Detroit, Michigan.

Anthony was better known as “Tony” by his brothers, sisters, and family and “AJ” by his co-workers at the U.S Postal Office. Tony had a love for all genres of music. As a young child, he purchased his very first 45 record, “Mountain of Love”, from Moore’s Music in Albion. Tony’s musicality grew beyond words and if you wanted to know the title or lyrics to any song, just give him a call. Tony was born a leader and strived hard in everything he set out to do. He attended Austin and North Elementary School, Washington Gardner Jr. High, and Albion Senior High School. Tony was involved in several school activities such as student council, junior and senior high school yearbooks, talent shows, and president of his senior class. In 1975, he won a $50 U.S. savings bond for his essay “What American Means to Me”. If you knew Tony, you knew that it was a colorful and truthful essay. In 1976, Tony was integral in changing the qualifications for homecoming queen court that gave more young ladies opportunities to participate in the homecoming event. The tradition continued until the annexation of Albion Senior High School.

Tony also loved being in the Spring Spectacular talent show. He formed his own singing group named “T.J. & Incorporation.” The members consisted of Ann Moore, Margie Sibal, and Kathleen Costianes. They sang the song “Sara Smile” by Daryl Hall and John Oats to a full house leading them to win first place. Tony loved singing, dancing, cooking, and baking cheesecakes as well. Tony was an avid shopper of his favorite stores Saks Fifth Avenue and Niemen Marcus.

In 1976, Tony graduated from Albion Senior High School which was the bicentennial anniversary of 1776. After graduation, he continued his education by attending Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee on a scholarship. He later transferred to Wayne State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree on May 7, 1981. After graduation, Tony held several jobs before he was hired by the U.S Postal Office. He was employed with the Postal Service for 33 years and retired in October 2020. From his employer, Tony received an award and certificate of appreciation for zero sick leave usage, an official commendation, and recognition of his contribution to the U.S Postal Service on April 16, 1989.

Tony is survived by his brothers: Woodrow Wilson Jr. (Albion, Michigan), Karl E “Constance” Wilson (Lansing, Michigan), Randall K. Wilson (Lansing, Michigan). Sisters: Barbara J. Wilson (Syracuse, New York), Glenda F. Wilson (Albion, Michigan), Sue A. Wilson (Albion, Michigan), and Trudie M. Wilson (Lansing, Michigan). Tony was preceded in death by his father Woodrow Wilson Sr. and mother Lillie Belle Simpson-Wilson. Sisters: Dorothy E. Height, Karen A. Ware, Patricia A. Washington, and Bernice Stephens. Nephews: Trent L. Wilson, Marc and Marcus Wilson. Nieces: Nicole Lillie Boozer-Wilson. Great niece Jet Bleu Koriann Washington and Niani A. Gibson. Brother-in-law Carlos Washington