Woodrow Wilson Jr.

Woodrow Wilson, Jr., the firstborn son of the late Woodrow Wilson Sr. and Lillie Belle Simpson-Wilson, was welcomed into the world on Wednesday, November 21, 1945 in the small city of Albion, Michigan. Affectionately known as Woody or Junebug to family and friends, he lived a life of purpose, passion, and service until entering his eternal rest on Tuesday, August 26, 2025; surrounded by loved ones. He will be remembered as a devoted son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, educator, athlete, philanthropist, and mentor—a man who deeply believed in the transformative power of education. Woody was educated in Albion Public Schools, where he excelled on the athletic field, lettering in basketball, football, and track before graduating with the Class of 1964. He went on to earn his Associate degree from Jackson Community College (JCC) in 1967 and his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Olivet College in 1969. He later pursued graduate studies at Michigan State University, where he earned both his Master of Arts and Education Specialist degrees. It was at Olivet College that Woody met the love of his life, the late Shearly Patterson. They were married on November 20, 1970, and shared forty-five years together before her passing in 2015. Though they endured the heartbreaking loss of their twin sons, Marque and Marquis, Woody and Shearly built a marriage grounded in faith, love, and resilience. Woody dedicated his professional life to education and mentorship. He began his career at Starr Commonwealth for Boys and later as a Head Start teacher before returning to JCC in 1972. Over the course of nearly four decades at JCC, he served as Director of Career Development for students with special needs, counselor in Student Personnel Services, and finally as a beloved history professor until his retirement in 2011. His legacy at the college continues to live on in a lasting way. In recognition of his decades of service, mentorship, and leadership, Jackson College (formerly Jackson Community College) honored Woody by naming a building in his memory—the Woodrow Wilson Jr. Building. The dedication stands as a testament to his impact on generations of students; particularly students of color whom he worked tirelessly to recruit, support, and mentor. His contributions were also recognized in 2012 when JCC awarded him the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service.

Woody’s dedication to education extended beyond his career into philanthropy. He established the Rodney Holland Endowment Scholarship at Olivet College/University, as well as the Woodrow Wilson Sr. and Lillie B. Wilson Endowed Scholarship in Education at Michigan State University to honor his parents’ legacy. He was also recognized with both the Distinguished Alumni Award from Albion High School and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Olivet College/University, tributes to his lifelong commitment to learning and leadership. Beyond the classroom, Woody’s influence reached deep into his community. He served on the boards of Goodwill Industries and the Johnson Child Care and Development Center, contributed to the Albion Scholarship Fund and the Albion Black Alumni Scholarship Fund, and worked on mayoral election committees in Albion. He also gave back to his alma mater, Olivet College, by serving on its alumni board. Woody’s life was marked by his love for family, faith, and learning. He found joy in running, reading, music, history, and attending Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Albion. He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Brendon Gibson of Illinois; Bryce Reno-Gibson, Brooke Gibson and Jeffery McGuire, and Brendon’s bonus daughter, Torrie Schmidt; his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Karl E. (Constance) Wilson of Lansing, MI, and Randall K. Wilson of Lansing, MI; and his sisters Barbara J. Wilson of Syracuse, NY, Glenda F. Wilson of Albion, MI, Sue A. Wilson of Albion, MI, and Trudie M. Wilson of Lansing, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents Woodrow Wilson Sr. and Lillie Belle Wilson, his beloved wife, Shearly Patterson Wilson, his infant twin sons, sisters Dorothy E. Height, Karen A. Ware, Patricia A. Washington, and Bernice Stephens; nephews Trent L. Wilson, niece Nicole Lillie Boozer-Wilson, great-nieces Jet Bleu Koriann Washington, Niani A. Gibson, and Avayah McClenney-Jackson, and brother-in-law Carlos Washington.

A celebration of Woody’s life will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Goodrich Chapel, Albion College (105 N. Ingham St., Albion, MI 49224). Family hour will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 1:30 PM. Interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, 2615 Francis St., Jackson, MI 49203