Loretta P. Wilson

Today we honor the life and memory of Loretta Ponsella Stewart Wilson, whose spirit peacefully departed this life on earth on August 19, 2020. Loretta (Rhett fondly known by her family and friends) was born on February 16th, 1934 in Salisbury, North Carolina to the late Deacon Charlie & Deaconess Anna Stewart. They welcomed their 1st born child into their hearts and life and she was always bubbly, talkative and full of life. She graduated from J. C. Price High School in 1951 and moved to Washington, D.C., and then New York where she attended and graduated from Bellevue Nursing School. She lived and worked in New York for numerous years before returning to Washington, D.C. She later married Retired Sargent Leonard E. Wilson who proceeded her in death in August 18, 1982. She retired as a Home Health Care Aide to care for her parents.

She was an early convert to Christ and was baptized and grew up in the Fairview Heights Baptist Church in Salisbury, North Carolina. On June 7, 1970 she became a member of First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church (FRMZBC) and was an ardent worker for the Lord until her health began to decline. Her Christian service at FRMZBC began while working with Sister Louise Fleming and the administrative staff. Initially, she was a member of the Ethel Dudley Missionary Society and then took over leadership of the Morning Star Circle until October 1986, when she was consecrated and became Circle Leader. In 2006, the Morning Star Circle was archived and she became the leader of the Rosalie Jackson/Anna Stewart Circle. She was also a member of the Gospel Chorus, President of the Women’s Voluntary Missionary Chorus, President of the Pastor’s Aide and Secretary of the Missionary Society. She loved to serve and look forward to attending Sunday School.

Loretta was always caring and willing to help those that were less fortunate. Many years she sponsored trips from Washington, D.C., to Disney World, Myrtle Beach, the Bahamas and various other Amusement Parks and shores. The trips were always fun and looked forward too by her family and friends. Loretta was the epitome of unconditional love and loved by all who knew her. Her strong faith and gentle grace touched all of our lives and she will be missed.

She leaves to cherish her fond memories her daughters Carol (Lynn) Stewart, and Angela (Terri) Stewart, five grandchildren Derek Stewart, Michael Stewart, Christa Stewart, Raeven Stewart, and Kalif Stewart and one great-grandchild Nova Jackson. She also leaves her devoted brother Charles (Frances) Stewart, one sister-in-law Susan (Harvey) and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great nieces and nephews and friends. She proceeded in death by her Parents Charlie and Anna Stewart and her siblings Harvey Lee, Thomas Ray, Carolyn and Linda Stewart.